Structure of triglycerides related to their properties

• How does the structure of triglycerides relate to their properties? carbon-hydrogen

  High ratio of energy-storing carbon-hydrogen bonds to carbon atoms and are therefore an excellent source of energy.
• How does the structure of triglycerides relate to their properties? low mass

  Low mass to energy ratio, much energy can be stored in a small volume (beneficial to animals as it reduces the mass they have to carry as they move around).
• How does the structure of triglycerides relate to their properties? insoluble

  Large, non-polar molecules so they're insoluble in water. So they do not affect osmosis in cells or the water potential of them.
• How does the structure of triglycerides relate to their properties? hydrogen to oxygen


  High ratio of hydrogen to oxygen atoms, triglycerides release water when oxidised and therefore provide an important source of water (especially for organisms living in dry deserts).