Question

A typical fat molecule is made up of
A. Three glycerol molecules and one fatty acid molecule
B. One glycerol molecules and three fatty acid molecules
C. One glycerol molecules and one fatty acid molecule
D. Three glycerol molecules and three fatty acid molecules

Answer 1

Hint: Fats are one of the major macronutrients and sources of energy in the living cells. They are an important source of energy for many animals and are an integral part of the different tissues and cellular activities. They play a major role in the structural and metabolic functions of the cells.

Complete answer:
Fats are the esters of fatty acids or mixtures of related compounds. It is most commonly referred to as the triglycerides or triple esters of glycerol. Fats form the main components of the vegetable oils, butter, and are present in the fatty tissues of the animals and humans. These are solid or semi solids at room temperature. Fats are also considered as the synonyms of lipid. Lipids are biomolecules that are soluble in non-polar solvents but are insoluble in water. They consist of carbon, hydrogen or oxygen.
The chemical structure of fats is composed of fatty acid molecules and glycerol. The fatty acid molecule consists of a carboxyl group at one end of the molecule and a hydrocarbon chain that is denoted by the letter ‘R’. The glycerol molecule is made up of three carbon atoms with a hydroxyl group attached to it. The remaining portion or positions is occupied by the hydrogen atoms. A fat molecule is made up of a glycerol molecule along with three molecules of fatty acid molecules.
As the fat molecules are made up of a single glycerol molecule with three fatty acid molecules, it is also known as triglycerides. The triglycerides are produced through the condensation reaction and the bonds between the molecules are covalent bonds. These bonds are also called ester bonds.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
In the cells, fats are broken down to liberate glycerol and fatty acids. Glycerol further gets converted into glucose in the liver and serves as a source of energy. The fatty acid is broken down through enzymatic reactions. They form an important source of energy fuel in the living cells.

Note: Fats are formed by the condensation reaction of one molecule of glycerol and three molecules fatty acids. They are also known as triglycerides and the bonds formed are known as ester bonds. They are one of the most important sources of energy for the living cells and are also involved in other structural and biological processes.