A lipid class that consists of a glycerol backbone bound to three fatty acids is known as what?

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Multiple Choice

A lipid class that consists of a glycerol backbone bound to three fatty acids is known as what?

Explanation:
A glycerol backbone bound to three fatty acids forms triglycerides, the main energy-storage lipids in many organisms. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups, and each one can form an ester bond with a fatty acid, giving a triacylglycerol molecule. This structure is nonpolar and highly energy-dense, which is ideal for storing fat in adipose tissue. Phospholipids, in contrast, have two fatty acids and a phosphate-containing head group, making them amphipathic and essential for forming cell membranes. Waxes are esters of long-chain fatty acids with long-chain alcohols, serving protective coatings. Steroids consist of four fused carbon rings and do not have a glycerol backbone with fatty acids. So the description points to triglycerides as the correct class.

A glycerol backbone bound to three fatty acids forms triglycerides, the main energy-storage lipids in many organisms. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups, and each one can form an ester bond with a fatty acid, giving a triacylglycerol molecule. This structure is nonpolar and highly energy-dense, which is ideal for storing fat in adipose tissue.

Phospholipids, in contrast, have two fatty acids and a phosphate-containing head group, making them amphipathic and essential for forming cell membranes. Waxes are esters of long-chain fatty acids with long-chain alcohols, serving protective coatings. Steroids consist of four fused carbon rings and do not have a glycerol backbone with fatty acids.

So the description points to triglycerides as the correct class.

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