Triglyceriols

Question 2

Triglycerides

Answer 2

• formed by the combination of one glycerol molecule and three molecules of fatty acids
• the glycerol molecule stays the same, but the fatty acids component varies
• the fatty acids join to glycerol through a condensation reaction, where three water molecules are removed, and an ester bond is formed between the fatty acids and the glycerol.

Question 3

Roles of triglycerides

Answer 3

• energy reserve
  - plant and animals
  - lipids contain more C-H bonds than
  carbohydrates
• thermal insulation
  - when stored under the skin lipids insulate against heat loss, or heat gain
• protection
  - stored around delicate organs e.g. kidneys
• producing metabolic water
  - water released from the body’s chemical reactions
  - a lot is produced when oxidised