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Multiple Choice
What building blocks form triglycerides?
A
Glycerol and three monosaccharides
B
Glycerol and three amino acids
C
Glycerol and three fatty acids
D
Glycerol and two fatty acids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of lipid formed by the esterification of glycerol with three fatty acids.
Identify glycerol: Glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol with the chemical formula \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_8\text{O}_3 \). It serves as the backbone for triglycerides.
Recognize fatty acids: Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxylic acid group \( \text{-COOH} \) at one end. They are the building blocks that attach to glycerol to form triglycerides.
Combine glycerol and fatty acids: In the formation of triglycerides, each hydroxyl group \( \text{-OH} \) on glycerol reacts with the carboxyl group \( \text{-COOH} \) of a fatty acid, forming an ester bond and releasing water.
Clarify the correct combination: The correct building blocks for triglycerides are glycerol and three fatty acids, not monosaccharides or amino acids.