Question

a phospholipid molecule has two fatty acid molecules, one glycerol molecule, and a molecule called a phosphate group. the phosphate group is referred to as the head, and the fatty acid chains are the tails.
the model shows the chemical structure of a phospholipid.
image of phospholipid structure
select the true statements.
a) a phospholipid is made when one glycerol molecule combines with three fatty acids.
b) unlike triglycerides, phospholipids have nitrogen and phosphorus atoms.
c) fatty acids in a phospholipid are called tails.
d) phospholipids are used to build cell membranes.

Explanation:

• For statement A: A phospholipid has two fatty acids (not three) with one glycerol and a phosphate group, so A is false.
• For statement about nitrogen and phosphorus: Triglycerides have glycerol and three fatty acids (no N, P), phospholipids have phosphate (with P) and the head group can have N (like in the given structure with $-N(CH_3)_3$), so this statement is true.
• For fatty acids as tails: The problem states "the fatty acid chains are the 'tails'", so this is true.
• For phospholipids in cell membranes: Cell membranes are made of a phospholipid bilayer, so this is true.

Answer:

• (Statement about N and P): True (e.g., "Unlike triglycerides, phospholipids have nitrogen and phosphorus atoms.")
• (Fatty acids as tails): True (e.g., "Fatty acids in a phospholipid are called tails.")
• (Phospholipids in cell membranes): True (e.g., "Phospholipids are used to build cell membranes.")
• (Statement A): False (e.g., "A phospholipid is made when one glycerol molecule combines with three fatty acids.")