Final answer:
A molecule of three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol molecule is known as lipids, specifically triglycerides. These esterified compounds are essential to biological functions such as energy storage and cell membrane structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecule that consists of three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol molecule is lipids. Specifically, this type of lipid is known as a triglyceride or a triacylglycerol. In a triglyceride, each fatty acid is attached to the glycerol backbone via an ester bond. This bond is formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction, where each fatty acid's carboxyl group reacts with one of the glycerol's hydroxyl groups, releasing water molecules in the process.
Both triglycerides and phospholipids are important structural elements in cells. Triglycerides are used for long-term energy storage and insulation, while phospholipids form the core of cell membranes due to their amphipathic nature, enabling the formation of lipid bilayers.