Kertatyydyttymättömien

Kertatyydyttymättömien is a Finnish term that translates roughly to "unsaturated fatty acids" in English. It refers to a class of fatty acids that contain one or more carbon-carbon double bonds within their hydrocarbon chain. These double bonds create "kinks" or bends in the molecule, which prevents them from packing as tightly together as saturated fatty acids, which have only single bonds.

The presence of these double bonds is significant for their physical and chemical properties. Unsaturated fatty acids are typically liquid at room temperature, unlike their solid saturated counterparts. This is because the kinks disrupt the crystalline structure. They are also more reactive due to the double bonds.

Unsaturated fatty acids are broadly categorized into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated types, depending on the number of double bonds. Monounsaturated fatty acids have a single double bond, while polyunsaturated fatty acids have two or more. Examples include oleic acid (monounsaturated) and linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid (polyunsaturated).

These types of fatty acids are essential components of cell membranes and play crucial roles in various biological processes. They are also important in nutrition, with unsaturated fats generally considered healthier than saturated fats when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They are found in foods such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.