How many fatty acids are combined with glycerol to form a triglyceride?

A triglyceride is formed when three fatty acids are esterified to a glycerol molecule. Glycerol serves as the backbone for the triglyceride structure, and each of the three hydroxyl (–OH) groups on the glycerol molecule reacts with a fatty acid, releasing water in a process called esterification. This results in the formation of a triglyceride, which is the most common type of fat found in the body and serves as an important energy storage molecule.

Understanding this structure is crucial, as triglycerides significantly impact nutritional health and energy metabolism. They play a vital role in the storage of energy in adipose (fat) tissue and are mobilized for energy use when needed.