Chapter 23, Problem 6RQ

To determine

The structural components of a triglyceride.

Answer to Problem 6RQ

The basic components of a triglyceride molecule are three fatty acid units and an alcohol named as glycerol.

Explanation of Solution

One of the vital lipid which occurs naturally and is a component which is fat soluble in a living cell is known as triglyceride.

The triglycerides are the ester which is composed three distinct molecules of fatty acids which are further linked to the glycerol. Thekind of triglycerides in animals very with the species and the fat composition present in the food.

The chemical equation for the formation of typlical fat molecule is shown below.

Fig.(1)

Conclusion:

The basic components of a triglyceride molecule are three fatty acid units and an alcohol names as glycerol. A triglyceride molecule is formed by the condensation reaction between three fatty acids and a glycerol unit.