What is a key characteristic of polyunsaturated fats?

Polyunsaturated fats are distinguished by the presence of multiple double bonds between the carbon atoms in their fatty acid chains. This structural characteristic affects both their chemical properties and their behavior in biological systems. Because of these double bonds, polyunsaturated fats tend to be liquid at room temperature, which is why they are commonly found in oils.

The presence of multiple double bonds makes these fats more flexible and less dense than saturated fats, which contain no double bonds and are typically solid at room temperature. This versatility allows polyunsaturated fats to play essential roles in cell membrane structure and function, as well as in various metabolic processes.

Understanding the defining traits of polyunsaturated fats is critical for recognizing their health implications, including their roles in reducing bad cholesterol levels and providing essential fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own.