What are the component molecules of triglycerides?

A triglyceride is made up of three fatty acids and one glycerol molecule. The physical and chemical properties of triglycerides depend on the mixture of fatty acids.

When the fatty acids are identical, the triglyceride is known as simple. Mixed triglycerides contain two or three different fatty acids. Triglycerides are present in both plant and animal species. In plant species, triglycerides are found in the cell membrane and are mostly unsaturated. In animals, they are saturated.

Triglycerides are an important energy source present in adipocytes, or fat cells, and blood cells of animals. Triglycerides are the major component of all fats and oils.