Triacylglycerol
Triacylglycerol
Triacylglycerol (pronunciation: /traɪˌæsɪlˈɡlɪsərɒl/), also known as triglyceride, is a type of lipid that is used by the body to store energy. It is the main constituent of body fat in humans and other animals, as well as vegetable fat.
Etymology
The term "triacylglycerol" is derived from the Greek words "tri" (meaning three), "acyl" (referring to the acyl group in chemistry), and "glycerol" (a type of sugar alcohol). It refers to the structure of the molecule, which consists of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acid chains attached.
Structure
A triacylglycerol molecule is composed of one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids. The fatty acids can be the same or different. The glycerol molecule forms the backbone of the structure, with the fatty acids attached to it via ester bonds.
Function
Triacylglycerols are the main form of energy storage in the body. They are stored in adipose tissue and can be broken down to produce energy when needed. They also serve as a source of fatty acids for various metabolic processes.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Triacylglycerol
- Wikipedia's article - Triacylglycerol
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