A triglyceride consists of:
a. Glycerol plus three fatty acids
b. A sugar-phosphate backbone to which two amino groups are attached
c. Two to several hexoses
d. Amino acids that have been thoroughly saturated with hydrogen

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Understand the structure of a triglyceride: it is a type of lipid molecule commonly found in fats and oils.

Recall that a triglyceride is composed of one glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid chains.

Recognize that option (a) describes this structure correctly: glycerol plus three fatty acids.

Eliminate other options by identifying their descriptions: (b) describes a nucleotide or nucleic acid component, (c) refers to sugars or polysaccharides, and (d) refers to amino acids, which are protein building blocks, not triglycerides.

Conclude that the correct description of a triglyceride is option (a).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Structure of Triglycerides

Triglycerides are lipids composed of one glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid chains. This structure serves as a major form of energy storage in organisms and is a key component of fats and oils.

Glycerol Molecule

Glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol with hydroxyl groups that serve as attachment points for fatty acids in triglycerides. It forms the backbone that links the fatty acids through ester bonds.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group at one end. They can be saturated or unsaturated and are esterified to glycerol in triglycerides, influencing the physical properties of fats.

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