Q. Define Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are produced by the esterification of glycerol with three fatty acid molecules. They are the body's major energy store, particularly in adipose tissue. Fatty acids are released through the action of hormone-sensitive lipase, an enzyme that becomes active during fasting when insulin levels are low. They can be utilized directly as fuel by muscle or by other tissues, including brain, following partial oxidation to ketone bodies in the liver.
Triglyceride and cholesterol ester are insoluble in the aqueous environment of the plasma and are solubilized by their incorporation into lipoproteins.