3.1.3 Lipids
Triglycerides
A triglyceride is a type of lipid made up of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. Fatty
acids have the general formula of RCOOH. The glycerol and the fatty acids join together
in a condensation reaction and they have an ester link. Triglycerides are insoluble,
meaning they can’t affect water potential.
The three golden ratios with triglycerides are:
1. High C-H bonds : Carbon ratio = makes them release a lot of energy
2. High H : O atoms ratio = release water when oxidised
3. Low mass : energy ratio = good for storage as a lot can be stored in a small volume.
diagram from
chem.libretexts.org
Triglycerides
A triglyceride is a type of lipid made up of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. Fatty
acids have the general formula of RCOOH. The glycerol and the fatty acids join together
in a condensation reaction and they have an ester link. Triglycerides are insoluble,
meaning they can’t affect water potential.
The three golden ratios with triglycerides are:
1. High C-H bonds : Carbon ratio = makes them release a lot of energy
2. High H : O atoms ratio = release water when oxidised
3. Low mass : energy ratio = good for storage as a lot can be stored in a small volume.
diagram from
chem.libretexts.org
