What is a common feature of saturated fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids are characterized by the presence of no double bonds between the carbon atoms in their hydrocarbon chains. This full saturation with hydrogen atoms means that every carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible. As a result, saturated fatty acids typically have straight chains that allow them to pack closely together, which often leads to them being solid at room temperature.

The presence of no double bonds distinguishes saturated fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids, which contain one or more double bonds that create kinks in their structure, affecting their physical state and properties. This fundamental characteristic is what defines saturated fatty acids in the context of nutrition and biochemistry.