Triglycerides

Triglycerides are formed by three successive condensation reactions.  An Enzyme catalyzes the reaction between glycerol and the fatty acids.

Glycerol  +  3 Fatty Acids ------>  Triglyderide  +  3 Water
 
Many different triglycerides can be formed depending of the type of fatty acids.
Fatty acid chains are 18 - 24 carbon atoms in length.
A Triglyceride with 2+ saturated fatty acids is a solid (eg. lard)
A Triglyceride with 2+ unsaturated fatty acids is an oil (eg. corn oil)
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© Copyright 1998 Terry Brown. All rights reserved.