Question

Compare the structure of a fat (triglyceride) with that of a phospholipid?

1) Both fats and phospholipids are composed of glycerol and fatty acids
2) Fats have three fatty acid chains attached to glycerol, while phospholipids have two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group attached to glycerol
3) Fats are hydrophobic, while phospholipids have a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails
4) Fats are used for energy storage, while phospholipids are a major component of cell membranes

Answer 1

Fats and phospholipids both have glycerol and fatty acid components, but fats have three fatty acid chains, while phospholipids have two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group, making them amphipathic. Fats are used for energy storage, whereas phospholipids make up cell membranes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structure of a fat, or triglyceride, differs from that of a phospholipid in several key ways:

• Both fats and phospholipids are composed of glycerol and fatty acids.
• Fats have three fatty acid chains attached to glycerol, whereas phospholipids have two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group attached to glycerol, forming a diglyceride.
• While fats are entirely hydrophobic, phospholipids exhibit a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails due to their charged phosphate groups and nitrogen atom, making them amphipathic.
• Fats primarily serve as energy storage, while phospholipids are primarily found in cell membranes, contributing to membrane structure and function.