Which of the following is a characteristic of saturated fats?

Saturated fats are characterized by their chemical structure, which contains fatty acid chains that have no double bonds between the carbon atoms. This absence of double bonds allows the molecules to pack closely together, resulting in a solid state at room temperature. This physical property is a defining feature of saturated fats, distinguishing them from unsaturated fats, which have one or more double bonds and therefore tend to be liquid at room temperature.

The solid state of saturated fats also contributes to their higher melting points compared to unsaturated fats, further emphasizing why they are commonly found in foods that are solid at room temperature, such as butter and lard. Understanding this characteristic is essential for recognizing how different types of fats behave in the body and their implications for health.