(triglyceride) An ester of glycerol and three long-chain carboxylic acids or * fatty acids . Triacylglycerols may be triesters of either the same fatty acid, or more commonly of two or three different fatty acids (mixed triacylglycerols). The most common fatty acids found in triacylglycerols are palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linolenic acids. Triacylglycerols are synthesized from glycerol phosphate and fatty acyl CoAs. The glycerokinase that phosphorylates glycerol is a soluble enzyme, but the other enzymes of triacylglycerol synthesis are associated with the microsomes. Breakdown of triacylglycerols to glycerol and free fatty acids is achieved by the action of * lipases. Triacylglycerols are important energy storage molecules especially in seeds, many of which (e.g. rape, linseed, castor bean, coconut) are important commercially as sources of fats and oils. Fats and oils are solid and liquid triacylglycerols respectively. |
