Triacylglycerols (TG) Flashcards
What is the technical name for fatty acids?
triacylglycerols or triglyceride
What is a triglyceride composed of?
three fatty acids esterified to a glycerol molecule
What is a glycerol?
three carbon triol with three hydroxyl groups that can be esterified to fatty acids
What is the inert form of fatty acids and what is the reactive form of fatty acids?
inert = triglyceride
reactive = free fatty acid
What are reactions that are typical of esters?
base-catalyzed hydrolysis
What does it mean to be amphipathic?
have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties
What is the process of making soap known as?
saponification
What is a lipase?
enzymes that hydrolyze fats
What are the two reasons triglycerides are better energy storage molecules compared to carbohydrates?
packing
energy content
