Lipids Flashcards
Are the fatty acid side chains of phospholipids always unsaturated?
No, the fatty acid side chains of phospholipids can be saturated or unsaturated.
What is a key function of phospholipids in cell signaling?
Phospholipids act as precursors of intracellular signals.
How long are the fatty acid side chains of phospholipids in eukaryotic cells?
They are usually between 12 and 22 carbons long.
What property makes phospholipids suitable for forming cellular membranes?
Phospholipids are amphipathic molecules, meaning they have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.
Can phospholipids be modified by intracellular enzymes?
Yes, some phospholipids are phosphorylated by intracellular protein kinases.
True or False: All fatty acid side chains of phospholipids are unsaturated.
False. Fatty acid side chains can be either saturated or unsaturated.
What causes Tay-Sachs disease?
Tay-Sachs disease is caused by the accumulation of gangliosides in lysosomes
Where does phospholipid biosynthesis occur in the cell?
Endoplasmic reticulum.
What enzyme produces phosphatidate?
The enzyme phosphatidic acid phosphatase.
What role does phosphatidylserine play in apoptosis?
Marks cells for phagocytosis
What causes respiratory distress syndrome?
Lack of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis
Which type of lipid contains a sphingosine backbone?
Sphingolipids.
Which type of lipid includes two fatty acids joined to glycerol by ester linkages?
Phospholipids
Which type of lipid usually has branched alkyl chains?
Archaeal lipids
Which type of lipid contains one or more sugar molecules?
Glycolipids and phospholipids.