Final answer:
A patient unable to synthesize lipids would face a shortage of lipids, which are crucial for energy storage and cell membrane formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who is unable to join glycerol and fatty acids would have a shortage of lipids. Lipids are a class of macromolecules that include fats and oils, which are integral for storing energy and forming cell membranes. Fats and oils are typically composed of glycerol and fatty acids, creating triglycerides. Since lipids play crucial roles in the body, including energy storage and providing essential fatty acids, the inability to synthesize them would lead to a deficit in these vital functions.