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Triacylglycerols quiz #1 Flashcards

Triacylglycerols quiz #1
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  • What is the structural composition of triacylglycerols, and how are their fatty acid chains linked to the glycerol molecule?
    Triacylglycerols are composed of a glycerol molecule linked to three fatty acid chains via ester linkages, which are formed through dehydration synthesis reactions.
  • What are the primary biological functions of triacylglycerols in the human body?
    Triacylglycerols serve as long-term energy storage molecules, providing more energy per unit mass than carbohydrates, and act as thermal insulators under the skin to help maintain body temperature.
  • What are triacylglycerols composed of, and how are the fatty acid chains attached to the glycerol molecule?
    Triacylglycerols are composed of a glycerol molecule linked to three fatty acid chains via ester linkages formed through dehydration synthesis reactions.
  • What is another common name for triacylglycerols, and are the terms used interchangeably?
    Triacylglycerols are also known as triglycerides, and the terms are used interchangeably.
  • What are the two types of triacylglycerols based on the composition of their fatty acid chains?
    Triacylglycerols can be classified as simple if all three fatty acids are identical, or mixed if they contain different fatty acids.
  • What is the primary biological function of triacylglycerols in the human body?
    Triacylglycerols serve as long-term energy storage molecules, providing more energy per unit mass than carbohydrates.
  • How do triacylglycerols contribute to thermoregulation in the body?
    Triacylglycerols act as thermal insulators under the skin, helping to maintain body temperature.
  • In what form are fatty acids primarily stored in the body, and why?
    Fatty acids are primarily stored as triacylglycerols because this form allows for efficient long-term energy storage.
  • What specialized cells are responsible for synthesizing and storing triacylglycerols?
    Adipocytes, also known as fat cells, are specialized for synthesizing and storing triacylglycerols.
  • What are two common terms used to refer to the fatty acid components of triacylglycerols?
    The fatty acid components of triacylglycerols are often referred to as 'chains' or 'tails.'