Final answer:
To form a triglyceride molecule, one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules are necessary, making the correct answer E) both B and C.
Step-by-step explanation:
To form a triglyceride molecule, you need both one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules. This process involves a dehydration synthesis reaction, where each of the three hydroxyl (-OH) groups on the glycerol molecule reacts with the carboxyl (-COOH) group of a fatty acid, resulting in the formation of a triglyceride and the release of water molecules.
Triglycerides are the main constituents of body fat in humans and animals, as well as the fats found in various oils. They are crucial for storing energy. In a typical triglyceride found in nature, the fatty acid chains can be of different types, which classifies it as a mixed triglyceride. The correct answer to the question is E) both B and C.