Sphingolipids Flashcards
What is the structural difference between sphingolipids and phosphoglycerides?
Sphingolipids do not have a glycerol backbone; they have a ceramide structure instead.
What is a ceramide?
A ceramide has an amide linkage on carbon-2 in place of the -OH group in glycerol.
What is a unique representation style for sphingolipids?
Sphingolipids can be drawn as a cartoon representation.
What is the main function of sphingomyelins?
Sphingomyelins are prominent in the myelin sheath of some neurons.
What type of charge does the polar head group of sphingomyelins typically have?
Neutral charge.
How do sphingolipids define blood types?
The polar head group is an oligosaccharide chain that communicates the blood type to other cells.
What oligosaccharides are associated with blood types?
Individuals with type O, A, and B have different oligosaccharides attached as the polar head.
How many sphingolipids have been identified in cellular membranes?
More than 60 sphingolipids.
Fill in the blank: Sphingolipids are structural lipids that form _______.
membrane bilayers.
True or False: Sphingolipids only have one known function.
False.
