Question

Explain the difference between a triglyceride and a phospholipid. How the replacement

Answer 1

Difference between a triglyceride and a phospholipid

A triglyceride and a phospholipid basically differ by the number of fatty acids present in them. A triglyceride is composed of three fatty acids; whereas, a phospholipid has two fatty acids. Additionally, a phospholipid has a phosphate group that is attached to a glycerol group

Explanation:

A phospholipid is formed when one fatty acid of the triglyceride group gets replaced by a phosphate group.  

The head of a phospholipid is hydrophilic and polar; while the tail is hydrophobic and non-polar.  

This property facilitates the phospholipids present in cell membranes  

The hydrophilic head of the phospholipids present in the cell membranes faces outward to interact with the intra and extracellular fluid; while the hydrophobic tail faces inwards into the cell. This property helps it to provide selective permeability during cellular transport.