Which substance is the backbone of all fats and is a simple polyol?

Glycerol is indeed the backbone of all fats and functions as a simple polyol. It possesses three hydroxyl (–OH) groups, which allows it to link with fatty acid chains through ester bonds, forming triglycerides. Triglycerides are the primary form of fat stored in the body and are composed of glycerol and three fatty acids. This structure is vital for energy storage and metabolism in living organisms.

In contrast, fatty acids are the components that attach to glycerol; they are long hydrocarbon chains that can be saturated or unsaturated but do not serve as a backbone. Cholesterol, while an important lipid, has a different structure as a sterol and does not play a role as the backbone for fats. Glucose, a simple sugar, is a carbohydrate and not directly involved in fat structure. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique and essential role of glycerol in fat formation and metabolism.