triglycerides

what are triglycerides

a type of lipid

how are triglycerides formed

condensation reaction between one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acid

what bond is formed in the condensation reaction to form a triglyceride

ester bond

what do unsaturated lipids contain that saturated lipids do not

C=C bond

where are saturated lipids found

animal fats

where are unsaturated lipids found

plants

how does the presence of a C=C bond change the characteristics of the lipid

the molecule is able to bend

why are unsaturated fats liquid at room temperature

the unsaturated fats cannot pack together as tightly

benefit of a low mass to energy ratio

a lot of energy can be stored in a small volume

benefit of being large and non-polar

insoluble in water

their storage does not affect the water potential of cells

benefit of high ratio of hydrogen-oxygen atoms

they release water when oxidised

provides an important source of water for organisms to leave in dry environments