What does it mean to say that fats and oils are triacylglycerols?

Triacylglycerols, also known as triglycerides, are esters formed from glycerol and three fatty acids. The glycerol backbone provides a central structure to which the fatty acids are attached via ester bonds. This unique structure allows triacylglycerols to serve as a major form of energy storage in living organisms.

Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxylic acid group at one end. They can be saturated, containing no double bonds, or unsaturated, containing one or more double bonds. The type and arrangement of fatty acids in triacylglycerols influence their physical properties, such as melting point and state at room temperature (solid or liquid).

Triacylglycerols play a crucial role in biological systems as energy reserves, providing more than double the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates. They also serve as insulation and protection for vital organs. Additionally, they are important in cellular signaling and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.