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College of Nursing and Allied Health Profession – Department of Nursing

Name: Date:
Section: Group No.

Biochemistry
Laboratory Activity 4
Biosynthesis of Membrane Lipids

I. Objectives

A. To understand the key processes and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of

membrane lipids.
B. To investigate the essential functions of membrane lipids in cells, such as
providing structural integrity to cell membranes, serving as energy storage
molecules, and participating in cell signaling processes.
C. To discover the regulatory mechanisms that control the biosynthesis of membrane
lipids, including feedback loops, enzyme activity, and the influence of cellular
conditions.

I. Materials

a) Ballpen
b) Laboratory Activity Worksheet

II. Methodology

a) Prepare the materials

b) Read and answer each question properly.

IV. Multiple Choice:

Direction: Read carefully and choose the correct answer.

1. What is the precursor molecule for the biosynthesis of phosphatidic acid?

a) Phosphatidylcholine
b) Sphingosine
c) Diacylgylcerol
d) Glycerol-3-phosphate

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2. Which of the following is precursor for the synthesis of sphingolipids?

a) Ceramide
b) Glycerol-3-phosphate
c) Diacylglycerol
d) Cholesterol

3. Which of the following is an important cofactor for enzymes involved in the

biosynthesis of membrane lipids?

a) Biotin
b) Thiamine
c) Folate
d) Niacin

4. Which of the following lipids is important for membrane curvature and vesicle
trafficking?

a) Ceramide
b) Phosphatidylcholine
c) Phosphatidylinositol
d) Phosphatic acid

5. What Is the main function of sphingomyelin in the plasma membrane?

a) Membrane curvature
b) Oxidative phosphorylation
c) Cell signaling
d) Regulation of cell membrane fluidity

III. TRUE OR FALSE

DIRECTIONS: Write true if the statement is correct, and false if the statement is
incorrect.

1. The biosynthesis of membrane lipids occurs exclusively in the cytosol.

2. Phospholipids are the only type of membrane lipids that can be synthesized de novo
by cells.

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3. The biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids requires the presence of molecular

oxygen.

4. The enzyme acyltransferase transfers a glycerol molecule onto a fatty acid to initiate
phospholipid synthesis.

5. The synthesis of sphingolipids occurs exclusively in the endoplasmic reticulum.

IV. LABEL IT!

DIRECTIONS: Read the sentence or paragraph provided, which contains blanks, choose
the appropriate word or phrase to fill in each blank.

1. Label the following parts of a Phospholipid in the boxes provided: Two fatty acid
chains, glycerol, phosphate group and choline. Identify which part of the molecule is
polar (hydrophilic) and which part is nonpolar (hydrophobic).

V. FILL IN THE BLANKS

DIRECTIONS: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words or phrases related to the
biosynthesis of membrane lipids. Once you have completed the worksheet, you can find
the answers below.

1. The first step in membrane lipid is the formation of glycerol-3-

phosphate.
2. The are often modified with various groups
to create diversity in the membrane lipids.

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3. In the endoplasmic reticulum, the enzyme catalyzes the

acylation of glycerol-3-phosphate to produce phosphatidic acid.

4. fatty acids are synthesized in the cytoplasm and then

transported into the ER for incorporation into phospholipids.

5. During the biosynthesis of membrane lipids, the is a

critical intermediate that acts as a precursor for various lipid classes.

6. In the final step of membrane lipid biosynthesis, phosphatidic acid is converted into
by the removal of one of its phosphate groups.

7. The is an organelle where the majority of membrane lipid

biosynthesis occurs in eukaryotic cells.

8. The pathway is responsible for the biosynthesis of

sphingolipids, a class of membrane lipids.

VI. GUIDE QUESTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions related to the biosynthesis of

membrane lipids. Once you have completed the worksheet, you can find the answers
below.

1. What is the primary function of membrane lipids in a cell?

2. List three types of membrane lipids commonly found in cell membranes.

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 Pablo Borbon Campus

College of Nursing and Allied Health Profession – Department of Nursing

3. Describe the process of fatty acid biosynthesis and its role in membrane lipid
synthesis.

4. Describe how lipid transport proteins are involved in the movement of lipids within
the cell.

5. Why is the regulation of lipid biosynthesis essential for the cell?

References:

Biosynthesis of Membrane Lipids and Steroids

https://www.studocu.com/en-gb/document/queen-mary-university-of-london/biomolecules-
of-life/biosynthesis-of-membrane-lipids-and-steroids/12934107

Basic Concepts Worksheet 3.2 Description: Membrane lipids

https://www.coursehero.com/tutors-problems/Biochemistry/18269042-Please-refer-to-the-
attachment-to-answer-this-question-This-question/

Cronan Jr, J. E., & Rock, C. O. (2008). Biosynthesis of membrane lipids. EcoSal Plus, 3(1),
10-1128. Retrieved From:
https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/ecosalplus.3.6.4?fbclid=IwAR3GLfQBbAlwjk8c_dx_o6o
G 4BNl8iXX0KphM1UO1jZYDvYjmOECoxfWY

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