A glycolipid combines a carbohydrate-containing head group with a lipid component. Glycosidic linkages connect the sugar portion to the lipid framework; glycerol-based examples coexist with broader biochemical classes having other backbones.[ref]
IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, fifth edition (Gold Book). Glycolipids, entry G02653: glycerol-based definition and bacterial exceptions
In a membrane, the hydrophobic part associates with the lipid interior while the sugar portion can remain exposed to water. The structure therefore couples membrane organization with molecular recognition at the surface. A glycolipid is not simply a solution containing separate sugar and fat molecules.
New to topics? Read the docs here!