14 Questions
What is the definition of complex lipids?
Esters of fatty acids containing groups in addition to an alcohol and one or more fatty acids
What is a characteristic of phospholipids?
They are amphipathic molecules
What is the type of alcohol present in glycerophospholipids?
Glycerol
What is the function of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) in the body?
It represents a large proportion of body store of choline
What is the orientation of the polar group in a phospholipid bilayer?
Outward, towards the exterior of the bilayer
What is the classification of phospholipids based on the type of alcohol present?
Based on the type of alcohol present
What is the name of the type of phospholipid that has sphingosine as the alcohol?
Sphingophospholipid
What is the name of the phospholipid that is found in cardiac tissue?
Cardiolipin
What is the primary function of surfactant in the lungs?
To prevent the alveoli from collapsing by decreasing surface tension
What is the main component of the myelin sheath found in nerves?
Sphingomyelin
What is the characteristic of ceramide?
It is composed of sphingosine and a fatty acid joined by an amide bond
What is the typical sugar molecule found in cerebrosides?
Galactose
What is the primary difference between sphingomyelin and glycolipids?
Glycolipids contain a carbohydrate, while sphingomyelin does not
What is the consequence for a premature infant who lacks sufficient surfactant?
Respiratory distress syndrome
Study Notes
Complex Lipids
- Compound lipids are esters of fatty acids containing groups in addition to an alcohol and one or more fatty acids.
- Phospholipids are a type of compound lipid that contains an alcohol, fatty acid, phosphoric acid, and a nitrogenous base (choline, serine, inositol) or other alcoholic group.
Phospholipids
- Phospholipids are classified into two types based on the type of alcohol present:
- Glycerophospholipids: contain glycerol as the alcohol
- Sphingophospholipids: contain sphingosine as the alcohol
Glycerophospholipids
- Examples include:
- Phosphatidyl choline (lecithin)
- Phosphatidyl ethanolamine (cephalin)
- Phosphatidyl serine
- Phosphatidyl inositol
- Cardiolipins
- Plasmalogens
Phosphatidyl Choline (Lecithin)
- The most abundant phospholipid in membranes
- Represents a large proportion of body store of choline
- Acts as an active agent "Surfactant" that lowers surface tension
- Contains alcohol, fatty acid, phosphoric acid, and choline
- Major surfactant produced by certain cells within the lung, preventing alveoli from collapse by decreasing surface tension between water and air
Sphingomyelin
- A sphingophospholipid that does not contain glycerol but an unsaturated amino alcohol, sphingosine
- Contains a molecule of choline, phosphoric acid, and a fatty acid
- Makes up a large part of the myelin sheath found in nerves
Ceramide
- Composed of sphingosine and a fatty acid joined by an amide bond
- Common to all glycolipids and sphingomyelin
Glycolipids
- Lipids containing a fatty acid, sphingosine, and carbohydrate
- Examples include:
- Cerebrosides: contain a molecule of fatty acid, an amino alcohol sphingosine, and a sugar (usually galactose)
- Found in the white matter of the brain and myelin sheath of nerves
This quiz covers complex lipids, including phospholipids and glycolipids, as taught by Dr. Mariam Mohammed Ali in the Clinical Biochemistry Lecture 3 at Al-Ayen University's College of Medicine. It focuses on the key concepts and principles of clinical biochemistry.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
