alleryStart learning →How many water molecules are released when one triacylglycerol is assembled?
AOne water molecule in total
BThree water molecules in total
CTwo water molecules in total
DSix water molecules in total
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Three water molecules in total
1. A triacylglycerol is built by joining three fatty acids to one glycerol backbone.
2. Every ester bond formed is a dehydration step that releases one water molecule.
3. Three bonds therefore release three water molecules.
4. One or two waters would leave one or more of the glycerol hydroxyl groups unused.
5. The three fatty acids themselves may be similar or dissimilar, but that does not change the water count.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 3 "Biological Macromolecules", section 3.3 Lipids_
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