Final answer:
In the creation of a triglyceride, three water molecules are formed as a result of dehydration synthesis, where three fatty acids bond with a glyceroal molecule, each losing parts that combine to form water.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the formation of a triglyceride from fatty acids and glycerol, a process called dehydration synthesis occurs. This is a chemical reaction where each fatty acid chain joins to the glycerol molecule by the removal of water. Specifically, glycerol has three hydroxyl (OH) groups, and each of the three fatty acid chains has a carboxyl group (COOH). As they bond, glycerol gives up a hydrogen atom from each of its hydroxyl groups, and each fatty acid gives up a hydroxyl group from its carboxyl group. As a result, a total of three water molecules are released during this process, and three ester bonds are formed to create a triglyceride.