Which type of fatty acid contains no double bonds between carbon atoms?

Saturated fatty acids are characterized by having no double bonds between the carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chains. This means that every carbon atom in these fatty acids is saturated with hydrogen atoms, making them solid at room temperature. This structure is significant because it influences the fatty acid's physical state and health implications; for instance, saturated fats are often found in animal products and certain plant oils.

While monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids do have double bonds in their structure—monounsaturated fatty acids having one double bond and polyunsaturated having two or more—the option of trans fatty acids refers to a type of unsaturated fatty acid that has been chemically altered to have trans configurations around the double bonds, thereby behaving more like saturated fats.

Recognizing these structural characteristics is crucial in understanding how different types of fatty acids impact health, dietary choices, and food processing methods.