Final answer:
Phospholipids have a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails; steroids consist of four fused carbon rings; triglycerides are made of three fatty acids and glycerol; waxes are long-chain fatty acids with alcohol.
Step-by-step explanation:
To match each type of lipid to a description of its chemical structure, we look at the components that characterize each lipid:
- a. Phospholipid - Consists of a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails. The head group includes a phosphate-containing group attached to glycerol, while the tails consist of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids.
- b. Steroid - Consists of four fused carbon rings with functional groups. Steroids, such as cholesterol, may also include a short tail and often the -OH functional group.
- c. Triglyceride - Composed of three fatty acids and glycerol. It is a major constituent of body fat and can contain both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
- d. Wax - Consists of long-chain fatty acids and alcohol. This structure gives waxes their protective and water-repellent properties.