What type of molecules is vegetable oil made of?

Here's a breakdown:

* Triglycerides: These are the main components of vegetable oil. They are composed of a glycerol molecule (a type of alcohol) attached to three fatty acid chains.

* Fatty acids: These are long chains of hydrocarbons with a carboxyl group at one end. The type of fatty acids in a triglyceride determines the properties of the vegetable oil.

* Types of fatty acids:

* Saturated fatty acids: These have no double bonds between carbon atoms in their chains, making them solid at room temperature. Examples: palmitic acid, stearic acid.

* Unsaturated fatty acids: These have one or more double bonds between carbon atoms in their chains, making them liquid at room temperature. Examples: oleic acid, linoleic acid.

The specific composition of fatty acids in a vegetable oil varies depending on the plant source. For example, olive oil is high in oleic acid (monounsaturated), while sunflower oil is high in linoleic acid (polyunsaturated).

In addition to triglycerides, vegetable oils may also contain small amounts of other compounds such as:

* Phospholipids: These are similar to triglycerides but with a phosphate group attached. They act as emulsifiers, helping to keep the oil and water phases of food mixtures separate.

* Sterols: These are compounds that have a similar structure to cholesterol.

* Vitamins: Some vegetable oils contain vitamins E and K.

So, while vegetable oil is primarily made up of triglycerides, it also contains other important compounds that contribute to its flavor, texture, and nutritional value.