Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 26: Problem 17

Phospholipids, the second most abundant group of naturally occurring lipids, are derived from phosphatidic acids, compounds containing glycerol esterified with two molecules of fatty acid and a molecule of phosphoric acid. \- Further esterification of the phosphoric acid part with a low-molecular- weight alcohol, most commonly ethanolamine, choline, serine, or inositol, gives a phospholipid.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Phospholipids are amphipathic lipids essential for cell membrane formation and stability. They are formed from phosphatidic acids, which consist of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid chains, and one phosphoric acid molecule. To form a phospholipid, the phosphate moiety of the phosphatidic acid is further esterified with a low-molecular-weight alcohol such as ethanolamine, choline, serine, or inositol. The specific low-molecular-weight alcohol used determines the type of phospholipid formed, allowing for diverse properties and functions in the cell membrane.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding phospholipids

Phospholipids are a major group of lipids that are essential components of cell membranes. They are amphipathic molecules, which means they have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating) regions. This unique structure allows them to spontaneously form lipid bilayers, which are crucial for the integrity and stability of cell membranes.
02

Role of phosphatidic acids

Phosphatidic acids are the precursors of phospholipids. They are composed of a glycerol molecule esterified with two fatty acid chains and one phosphoric acid molecule. Glycerol, a 3-carbon sugar alcohol, serves as a backbone which connects the hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts of the phospholipid. The fatty acid chains are hydrophobic and their number and structure influence the properties of the phospholipid and the membrane it becomes part of.
03

Formation of phospholipid

To form a phospholipid, an additional chemical reaction is required. The phosphate moiety of the phosphatidic acid is further esterified with a low-molecular-weight alcohol such as ethanolamine, choline, serine, or inositol. This addition forms a phosphate ester bond between the phosphoric acid and the low-molecular-weight alcohol. The resulting compound is a phospholipid.
04

Different types of phospholipids

Depending on the low-molecular-weight alcohol that binds to the phosphate group, different types of phospholipids are formed. For example, if choline is used, the resulting phospholipid is called phosphatidylcholine. Similarly, if serine is used, the phospholipid is called phosphatidylserine. These diverse molecules provide the cellular membrane with different physical and chemical properties, essential for membrane stability and function.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Which would you expect to have the higher melting point, glyceryl trioleate or glyceryl trilinoleate?

Bile acids, used to aid digestion of fats, differ from most other steroids in that they have a cis configuration at the junction of rings \(A\) and \(B\).

The carbon skeleton of cholesterol and those of all biomolecules derived from it originate with the acetyl group (a two-carbon unit) of acetyl-CoA.

noncovalent forces directing the self-assembly of biomolecules in aqueous solution. The hydrophobic effect arises from tendencies of biomolecules (1) to arrange polar groups so that they interact with the aqueous environment by hydrogen bonding and (2) to arrange nonpolar groups so that they are shielded from the aqueous environment. Show how the hydrophobic effect is involved in directing the following. (a) The formation of micelles by soaps and detergents (b) The formation of lipid bilayers by phospholipids

Palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid) is the source of the hexadecyl (cetyl) group in the following compounds. Each is a mild surface-acting germicide and fungicide and is used as a topical antiseptic and disinfectant. They are examples of quaternary ammonium detergents, commonly called "quats." Cetylpyridinium chloride Benzylcetyldimethylammonium chloride (a) Cetylpyridinium chloride is prepared by treating pyridine with 1-chlorohexadecane (cetyl chloride). Show how to convert palmitic acid to cetyl chloride. (b) Benzylcetyldimethylammonium chloride is prepared by treating benzyl chloride with \(N, N\)-dimethyl-1-hexadecanamine. Show how this tertiary amine can be prepared from palmitic acid.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free