Final answer:
A triglyceride is formed when three fatty acids attach to glycerol in condensation reactions, releasing three water molecules. This process of combining fatty acids with glycerol is known as dehydration synthesis or triacylglycerol formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To make a triglyceride, three fatty acids attach to glycerol in condensation reactions. In this process, known as dehydration synthesis, each fatty acid joins with glycerol by releasing a water molecule. Specifically, the glycerol molecule gives up a hydrogen atom and each carboxyl group on the fatty acids gives up a hydroxyl group. This connection forms a triglyceride, which is also referred to as triacylglycerol. A total of three water molecules are released during the synthesis of a single triglyceride.
A glycerol backbone, which is at the core of triglycerides, consists of three carbon atoms. Extending from each of these carbons are the long hydrocarbon chains of the fatty acids, which have a carboxyl group at one end and a methyl group at the other. The formation of triglycerides through this process is critical for the storage of energy, insulation, and protection in living organisms.