Other Lipids

Question 1

What is a sphingolipid?

Answer 1

structurally similar to phospholipids but the backbone is sphingosine instead of glycerol

Question 2

What is the main sphingolipid in humans and what is its purpose?

Answer 2

sphingomyelin
component of the myelin sheath surrounding neurons

Question 3

What are waxes?

Answer 3

long chain fats esterified to long chain alcohols

Question 4

What is the main purpose of waxes?

Answer 4

extremely hydrophobic so they form protective barriers

Question 5

What are the fat soluble vitamins?

Answer 5

A D E K

Question 6

How do we acquire fat soluble vitamins?

Answer 6

absorbed with dietary fat and stored in adipose tissue and in the liver

Question 7

What is vitamin A and what is its function?

Answer 7

terpenoid
essential for vision, growth, epithelial maintenance, and immune function

Question 8

What is vitamin D and what is its function?

Answer 8

derived from cholesterol
regulates blood calcium and phosphate levels

Question 9

What is vitamin E and what is its function?

Answer 9

group of compounds known as tocopherols
antioxidants

Question 10

What is vitamin K and what is its function?

Answer 10

coenzyme
activating clotting proteins

Question 11

What are prostaglandins?

Answer 11

belong to a group of molecules known as eicosanoids which are derived from 20-carbon fatty acids

Question 12

What are the functions of prostaglandins?

Answer 12

regulating smooth muscle contraction in the intestines
regulating blood vessel diameter
maintaining gastric integrity