* The reaction: The formation of a fat (triglyceride) is a dehydration synthesis reaction. This means water is removed.
* The components: A fat is formed by combining:
* 1 glycerol molecule (3 carbon alcohol)
* 3 fatty acid molecules (long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxylic acid group)
* Bond formation: Each fatty acid molecule forms an ester bond with a hydroxyl (-OH) group on the glycerol molecule. To form each ester bond, one water molecule is released.
* Total water molecules: Since there are three fatty acids, three water molecules will be removed to form the fat molecule.
