Why Are Fatty Acids Cis

When the two hydrogen atoms stick out on the same side of the chain, the fatty acid is said to be in a cis configuration. This results in a kink due to the two hydrogen atoms repelling each other slightly. The more double bonds in the cis configuration, the less flexible is the fatty acid.

Do fats have cis double bonds?

Fats provide energy, insulation, and storage of fatty acids for many organisms. Fats may be saturated (having single bonds) or unsaturated (having double bonds). Unsaturated fats may be cis (hydrogens in same plane) or trans (hydrogens in two different planes).

Why do unsaturated fats have double bonds?

unsaturated fat A fat molecule made of chains where some carbon atoms are not fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. These carbons form double bonds with the carbons next to them.