Triglycerides are fatty acid esters of glycerol, which are formed by the esterification of ____ molecule (s) of fatty acids with ____ molecule(s) of glycerol.

Options

A. one, two
B. one, three
C. three, one
D. two, one

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the formation of triglycerides, we need to understand the process of esterification between fatty acids and glycerol. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Triglycerides**:
- Triglycerides are a type of lipid formed from glycerol and fatty acids. They are the main constituents of body fat in humans and animals, as well as vegetable fat.

2. **Components Involved**:
- Glycerol is a three-carbon molecule with three hydroxyl (–OH) groups.
- Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl (–COOH) group at one end.

3. **Esterification Process**:
- The process of forming triglycerides is called esterification. This involves the reaction between the hydroxyl groups of glycerol and the carboxyl groups of fatty acids.
- Each hydroxyl group of glycerol reacts with a carboxyl group of a fatty acid to form an ester bond.

4. **Number of Molecules**:
- Since glycerol has three hydroxyl groups, it can react with three fatty acid molecules.
- Therefore, the formation of one triglyceride molecule requires **three molecules of fatty acids** and **one molecule of glycerol**.

5. **Chemical Reaction**:
- During the esterification process, three molecules of water are eliminated as by-products. This is a condensation reaction where water is removed as the ester bonds are formed.

6. **Final Answer**:
- Thus, triglycerides are formed by the esterification of **three molecules of fatty acids with one molecule of glycerol**.

### Conclusion:
The correct answer to the question is that triglycerides are formed by the esterification of **three molecules of fatty acids with one molecule of glycerol**.