Chapter 17 Lipids

17.5
Glycerophospholipids

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 Glycerophospholipids
Glycerophospholipids
are
the most abundant lipids
in cell membranes
composed of glycerol,
two fatty acids, phosphate,
and an amino alcohol

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 Glycerophospholipids Are Polar
A glycerophospholipid has
 two nonpolar fatty acid chains
 a phosphate group
 one of three polar amino alcohols

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Structure and Polarity of a
Glycerophospholipid

General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry 4

Lecithin and Cephalin
Lecithin and cephalin are glycerophospholipids that
 are abundant in brain and nerve tissues
 are found in egg yolk, wheat germ, and yeast
 contain choline (in lecithins) or either ethanolamine or
serine (in cephalins)

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 Learning Check
Identify each as a
1) fatty acid 2) triacylglycerol
3) amino alcohol 4) glycerophospholipid

A. Glyceryl trioleate
B. Cephalin
C. Choline
D. Palmitic acid

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 Solution
Identify each as a
1) fatty acid 2) triacylglycerol
3) amino alcohol 4) glycerophospholipid

A. Glyceryl trioleate 2) triacylglycerol

B. Cephalin 4) glycerophospholipid
C. Choline 3) amino alcohol
D. Palmitic acid 1) fatty acid

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Learning Check
Identify the components and type of glycerophospholipid:
O
║
CH2—O—C— (CH2)16—CH3

O
║
CH2—O—C— (CH2)16—CH3
+
O NH3
║ │
CH2—O—P—O—CH2—CH−COO –
│
O–
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 Solution
Identify the components and type of glycerophospholipid:
O
║
CH2—O—C— (CH2)16—CH3

O 2 Stearic acids
║
CH2—O—C— (CH2)16—CH3
+
O NH3
║ │ Type = cephalin
CH2—O—P—O—CH2—CH−COO –
│ Serine
O– Phosphate Amino alcohol
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