The main function of triglyceride is

Options

A. to store energy
B. to store protein
C. to store carbohydrates
D. to store nucleic acids

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Triglycerides:**
- Triglycerides are a type of lipid, which is a category of biomolecules that includes fats and oils. They are composed of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids.

2. **Formation of Triglycerides:**
- The process of forming triglycerides is called esterification (or hysterification). In this process, glycerol (a three-carbon alcohol) reacts with three fatty acids. During this reaction, three water molecules (H2O) are released.

3. **Structure of Triglycerides:**
- The resulting structure consists of a glycerol backbone with three fatty acid chains attached to it. The general formula can be represented as:
\[ CH_2(O-C(=O)R_1)CH(O-C(=O)R_2)CH_2(O-C(=O)R_3) \]
where \( R_1, R_2, \) and \( R_3 \) are the hydrocarbon chains of the fatty acids.

4. **Main Function of Triglycerides:**
- The primary function of triglycerides is to store energy. They serve as a major energy reserve in the body. When the body requires energy, triglycerides are broken down to release fatty acids, which can then be used for energy production.

5. **Energy Content:**
- Triglycerides provide a high energy yield, approximately 9 kilocalories per gram, which is more than carbohydrates (4 kcal/g) and proteins (4.5 kcal/g). This makes them an efficient form of energy storage.

6. **Health Considerations:**
- While triglycerides are essential for energy storage, excessive accumulation in the body can lead to health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, due to the narrowing of arteries.

**Final Answer:**
The main function of triglycerides is to store energy.

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