What is the main purpose of triglycerides in the body?

Triglycerides serve a primary role in the body as a means of energy storage. They are composed of glycerol and fatty acids and can store large amounts of energy in a compact form. When the body requires energy, triglycerides can be broken down through lipolysis, converting them into fatty acids and glycerol that enter metabolic pathways to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

While triglycerides play a secondary role in other processes such as transporting fat-soluble vitamins, they are principally recognized for their function in energy storage. Other options like building proteins and forming cell membranes are associated with different biomolecules such as amino acids and phospholipids, respectively. Thus, the identification of triglycerides as the primary energy reserve aligns with their biochemical role and importance in metabolism.