Final answer:
A triacylglycerol molecule has three hydrophobic tails made up of fatty acids that are attached to the glycerol backbone.
Step-by-step explanation:
A triacylglycerol molecule, often referred to as a triglyceride, is a fat molecule that consists of a glycerol backbone attached to three fatty acids. The glycerol component of a triacylglycerol is a molecule with three carbons, each bonded to a hydroxyl (OH) group. Each fatty acid, which is a long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group at one end, is connected to the glycerol by a dehydration synthesis reaction which forms an ester bond and releases water. As a result, a triacylglycerol molecule has three hydrophobic tails formed by the fatty acids. These long hydrocarbon chains are the parts of the molecule that are repelled by water and are considered hydrophobic.