Final answer:
Triacylglycerols are hydrolyzed by water in the presence of enzymes, acids, or bases in the body, leading to the breakdown of triglyceride molecules into glycerol and free fatty acids.
Step-by-step explanation:
Triacylglycerols are hydrolyzed with water in the body in the presence of enzymes, acids, or bases. This process involves the breakdown of triglycerides, which are lipids or fats consisting of three fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol backbone.
Specific enzymes called lipases play a crucial role in this hydrolysis reaction during digestion, breaking down triglycerides such as tripalmitin or trilaurin into glycerol and free fatty acids. Moreover, the hydrolysis of triglycerides can also occur in acidic or basic conditions. The acidic hydrolysis produces alcohol and carboxylic acid, while saponification, the base-promoted hydrolysis, is used in soap making.