Fatty Acid Metabolism

Question 1

Define lipids

Answer 1

Organic compounds that are soluble in organic solvents and insoluble in polar solvents such as water

Question 2

Outline the functions of lipids

Answer 2

Important role in developmental and normal maintannece & function of the nervous system
- structural components
- signalling molecules
- protein transport
- source of energy

Question 3

List lipid species in the brain

Answer 3

Phospholipids -55%
Cholesterol- 30%
Sphingolipids- 6%
Others- 9%

Question 4

Outline saturated fatty acids

Answer 4

Carbon bones are satisfied by something- hydrogen etc- no double bond

Question 5

Outline unsaturated fatty acid

Answer 5

Contains a double carbon bond
Monounsaturated FA- 1 double bond
Polyunsaturated FA- 2 or more double bonds

Question 6

Omega 3 function

Answer 6

Neuroprotection
Reducing neuroinflamation
Modulating Neuro transmission
Promoting neurogenesis
Neuronal survival.

Question 7

Omega 3 function

Answer 7

Neuroprotection
Reducing neuroinflamation
Modulating Neuro transmission
Promoting neurogenesis
Neuronal survival.

Question 8

Omega 6 function

Answer 8

Inflammation
Key role in immune system
Y-linoleic acid- anti-inflammatory

Question 9

Outline peroxisomes

Answer 9

Long chain fatty acids
EPA and DHA undergo beta-oxidation
Do not have a TCA cycle

Question 10

Triglycerides (TAG)

Answer 10

Consists of three fatty acids linked by ester bonds to glycerol
Play a small role in neuronal lipid metabolism, at as storage form of lipid precursors
Can cross the blood-brain barrier

Question 11

Phospholipids

Answer 11

Majority of cellular lipids and form major lipid class in the brain
Role as structural components of neuronal membranes and bio active signalling molecules

Question 12

Glycerophospholipid

Answer 12

Phosphate may further be bound to other molecules to form different types of phospholipids

Question 13

Phosphatidylcholine ( Lecithin)

Answer 13

• most abundant phospholipid
• controls membrane shape and consistency
• storage form of Neurotransmitter- acetylcholine

Question 14

Phosphatidylethanolamine (cephalin)

Answer 14

-increases membrane curvature
-increases fluidity of membrane
-facilitates vesicular budding/ membrane fusion

Question 15

Phosphatidylinositol

Answer 15

-regulates signalling at neuronal synapses
-production of second messenger molecules via phospholipids C activity

Question 16

Phosphatidic acid

Answer 16

-neurotransmitter outgrowth and dendritic branching
-vesicular fusion and synaptic activity

Question 17

Phosphatidylserine

Answer 17

-involved in activation of membrane signalling pathways, Neuro inflammation, Neuro transmission, and synaptic refinement
-acts as a store for PUFAs such as DHA

Question 18

Sphingophospholipid