Final answer:
The symbol commonly used for phospholipids is (b) PL. These are essential elements of cell membranes, made up of two fatty acid chains and a phosphate group on a glycerol backbone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common symbol used to depict phospholipids is (b) PL. Phospholipids are essential components of the plasma membrane of cells, where they form a bilayer with a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.
These molecules are pivotal in cell membrane structure and function, consisting of two fatty acids and a modified phosphate group attached to a glycerol backbone. The phospholipid symbol typically represents the structure, which may also include variations like phosphatidylcholine, an example of a specific phospholipid.