What type of lipid is characterized by a glycerol bound to two fatty acids and a phosphate group?

A phospholipid is characterized by having a glycerol backbone attached to two fatty acid tails and a phosphate group. This specific structure enables phospholipids to play a crucial role in forming the biological membranes of cells. The two fatty acid tails are hydrophobic (water-repelling), which allows them to face inward, away from water, while the phosphate group is hydrophilic (water-attracting) and faces outward. This unique arrangement leads to the formation of a bilayer that is fundamental to cell membrane integrity and functionality.

In contrast, triglycerides have three fatty acids linked to glycerol and are primarily involved in energy storage. Steroids and cholesterol are different types of lipids, characterized by their ring structure and are not composed of glycerol or fatty acids in the same way, making them distinct from phospholipids. Thus, the lipid structure described clearly aligns with the definition of a phospholipid.