The different properties of triglycerides and phospholipids related to their different structures
Triglycerides and phospholipids have different structures, so they behave differently and do different jobs. Triglycerides store energy; phospholipids form the membranes that surround every cell.
Real World
Polar bears survive Arctic winters because subcutaneous triglycerides provide insulation and an energy store, while the phospholipid bilayers of their cells remain fluid due to unsaturated fatty acid tails.
Exam Focus
For 'compare' questions, explicitly contrast both molecules — state what triglycerides do AND what phospholipids do; one-sided answers lose marks.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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