Comparing structures of triglycerides and phospholipids

Steps:

• Recall triglycerides consist of glycerol and three fatty acids, making them hydrophobic.
• Note phospholipids have glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group, creating a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails.
• Evaluate statement 1: Likely incorrect as it may misstate polarity or function.
• Confirm statements 2 and 3: Correctly describe amphipathic nature and roles in membranes vs. energy storage.

Why C is correct:

• C selects 2 and 3, aligning with the definition that phospholipids are amphipathic (polar head, nonpolar tails) for bilayer formation, while triglycerides are neutral lipids for storage.

Why the others are wrong:

• A includes incorrect statement 1, often confusing solubility properties.
• B selects only 1, ignoring valid 2 and 3 on structural differences.
• D selects only 3, omitting correct statement 2 on functional roles.

Final answer: C