Triacylglycerols simple

Structure and Triacylglycerols (also called fats or triglycerides) consist of three fatty acid function chains esterified to a glycerol backbone. Simple triacylglycerols have three... 

Fig. 1. Structure of (a) a simple triacylglycerol (1,2,3-tripalmitoyl-glycerol) and (b) a mixed triacylglycerol (1 -palmitoyl-2,3-dioleoyl-glycerol).

Simple triacylglycerols are composed of three identical fatty acid side chains, whereas mixed triacylglycerols have two or three different fatty acids. Table 29.2 lists the most common fatty acids used to form triacylglycerols. 

Triacylglycerols contain three fatty acid molecules esterified to the three hydroxyl groups of glycerol. Simple triacylglycerols contain only one type of fatty acid mixed triacylglycerols, two or three types. Triacylglycerols are primarily storage fats they are present in many foods. 

A variety of triacylglycerols are possible. Simple triacylglycerols are those in which R, R, and R are the same, i.e., three molecules of the same fatty acid react with glycerol. Complex triacylglycerols are those in which R, R , and R are different. Naturally occurring triacylglycerols are complex triacylglycerols. 

Triacylglycerols can be simple triacylglycerols in which all three acyl groups are the same. More commonly, however, the triacylglycerol is a mixed triacylglycerol in which the acyl groups are different. 

Triacylglycerols differ in type according to the nature and position of the fatty acid residues. Those with three residues of the same fatty acid are termed simple triacylglycerols, as illustrated above. When more than one fatty acid is concerned in the esterification, a mixed triacylglycerol results ... 

All three fatty acids bound in triacylglycerols can be the same, and in this case we may speak about simple triacylglycerols (3-50). For example, the triacylglycerol with three identical acyls, derived from palmitic acid, is l,2,3-tripahnitoylglycerol or simply tripahnitoylglycerol, or tripalmitin to give it its trivial name. Three acyl residues derived from oleic acid are found in triolein and three stearic acid residues are found in tristearin. Alternatively, the two... 

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