Final answer:
The basic structure of a triglyceride is a glycerol backbone attached to three fatty acid molecules via ester linkage, formed through dehydration synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic structure of a triglyceride consists of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acid molecules attached via ester linkage. A triglyceride is formed by the chemical attachment of three distinct fatty acids to the glycerol molecule. This process is known as dehydration synthesis, where the joining of these molecules results in the release of water molecules. This bonding creates a fat molecule, which is commonly referred to as triacylglycerols or triglycerides. Each fatty acid in a triglyceride consists of a long chain of hydrocarbons with an acidic carboxyl group on one end, making it hydrophobic. The glycerol, an organic compound that consists of three carbon atoms and three hydroxyl (-OH) groups, bonds with the fatty acids to form these ester links.