What is the name of the molecule formed by one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids, commonly stored as a form of fat in the body?

The molecule formed by one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids is known as a triglyceride. Triglycerides serve as the primary form of stored fat in the body, providing energy reserves. They are composed of a glycerol backbone, which is an alcohol, bonded to three fatty acids through ester linkages.

When the body requires energy, triglycerides can be broken down into their constituent fatty acids and glycerol, which can then enter metabolic pathways to be utilized for energy production. This storage method is efficient, as triglycerides can be compactly stored in adipose tissue without adding significant weight from water, allowing the body to maintain energy reserves for times of fasting or increased energy requirements.

Phospholipids, another class of lipids, are important for building cell membranes but differ structurally from triglycerides in that they contain two fatty acids instead of three and include a phosphate group. Saturated fats refer specifically to fatty acids that have no double bonds between carbon atoms, and cholesterol is a type of sterol involved in cell membrane structure and hormone production.

Understanding triglycerides is crucial for grasping how the body manages energy storage and utilization, making it a fundamental concept in nutrition science.