Triglycerides

Definition

Triglycerides are a type of lipid formed by one molecule of glycerol bound to three fatty acids. They serve as a major form of energy storage in many organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Triglycerides undergo hydrolysis to release fatty acids and glycerol, which are further metabolized for energy.
2. In microbial metabolism, triglycerides are broken down by the enzyme lipase.
3. The breakdown products, glycerol and fatty acids, enter different metabolic pathways: glycerol into glycolysis and fatty acids into beta-oxidation.
4. Beta-oxidation of fatty acids produces acetyl-CoA, which enters the citric acid cycle for further energy production.
5. Microorganisms can utilize triglycerides from their surroundings or intracellular stores during nutrient scarcity.

Review Questions

• What role do triglycerides play in microbial metabolism?
• Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down triglycerides in microorganisms?
• Into which metabolic pathways do the breakdown products of triglycerides enter?

Related terms

Lipase: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of fats into glycerol and fatty acids.

Beta-Oxidation:

A metabolic process involving the breakdown of fatty acids to produce acetyl-CoA.

Glycolysis:

A series of reactions that extract energy from glucose by splitting it into pyruvate.