Is glycerol made of fatty acids?

It is not. Fatty acids generally refer to long-chain carboxylic acids (e.g. linoleic acid). These consist of a large hydrocarbon (-CHx) tail and the carboxylic acid (-COOH) group at the end. read more

Glycerolipids are composed of glycerol and fatty acids. Glycerol, whose structural formula is shown at right, has three carbon atoms, each of which has a hydroxyl (-OH) group bound to it. Fatty acids are fairly long linear hydrocarbon chains with a carboxylic acid group at one end. read more

Some Fatty Acids are Essential. Most fatty acids can be made in the body. However, there are two essential fatty acids -- linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid -- that cannot be made and must be obtained from the diet. Good sources of essential fatty acids are flax, fish and walnuts. Biological Importance. Glycerol can be used as a source of energy. Unlike glycerol, fatty acids are important sources of fuel because they yield a large amount of energy. read more