Final answer:
A triglyceride is characterized by three fatty acids and a glycerol molecule, forming saturated or unsaturated fats. A phospholipid consists of two fatty acids, a glycerol molecule, and a phosphate group, and is essential for cell membrane fluidity. A steroid is identifiable by its four fused rings structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
To match each type of lipid to its characteristics:
- A. Triglyceride: This lipid is characterized by having three fatty acids and one glycerol molecule (2). It forms saturated or unsaturated fats (4) depending on the presence of double bonds in the fatty acid chains. Triglycerides serve as the main form of stored energy and are the most abundant lipids in the body.
- B. Phospholipid: This lipid contains two fatty acids, a glycerol molecule, and a phosphate group (1). Phospholipids are crucial for cell structure as they provide fluidity to the cell membrane (5) due to their amphipathic nature, having both hydrophilic (polar) and hydrophobic (nonpolar) parts.
- C. Steroid: Steroids are distinguished by having four fused rings (3). Cholesterol is a well-known steroid that is a vital component of cell membranes and serves as a precursor for steroid hormones like testosterone.