Biochemistry of Lipids and Lipoproteins Flashcards
(40 cards)
Triglycerides
“storage fats” /triacylglycerols/neutral fats Composed of 3 fatty acids, each in an ester linkage with a single glycerol. Simple Triglycerol have the same kind of fatty acid in all 3 positions. Most naturally occuring Triglycerides are mixed and contain 2-3 different fatty acids.
Cholesterol
Essential component of membranes Precursor for synthesis of bile acids and steroid hormones Reduces fluidity of membranes Enriched in lipid rafts (in Golgi and plasma membrane) -> areas enriched in proteins that participate in signal transduction. Covalent modification of embryonic signaling proteins
Cholesterol cytotoxicity
Excess cholesterool is cytotoxic to cells: - Formation of cholesteol crystals - Triggering of apoptotic pathways - Formation of toxic oxysterols - Disruption of membrane domains that are crucial for function of enzymes and signaling molecules - Contributes to mechanisms that promote atherosclerosis
4 steps in cholesterol synthesis
- Formation of mevalonate from three acetate molecules 2. Mevalonate converts to phosphorylated 5-c isoprene 3. Six isoprenes polymerize to form the 30-C linear squalene 4. Squalene cyclizes to form the four rings that are modified to produce cholesterol
Step 1. Formation of Mevalonate from Acetyle-CoA
2 Acetyl-CoAs -> Acetyoacetyl-CoA - catalyzed by acetyl-CoA acyl transferase Acetyle-CoA + Acetoacetyl-CoA -> Beta hydroxyl- Beta methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) - catalyzed by HMG-CoA Synthase HMG-CoA + 2 NADPH -> mevalonate -catylized by HMG-CoA reductase -rate limiting step and point of regulation - HMG-CoA reductase is a target for some cardiovascular drugs.
Step 2: Conversion of Mevalonate to Activated Isoprenes
- 3 PO4 transferred stepwise from ATP to mevalonate - Decarboxylation and hydrolysis creates a diphosphorylated 5-C product (isoprene) with a double bond - Isomeization to a second isoprene - The two “activated” isoprene units are delta3-isopentyl pyrophosphate and dimethylallylpyrophosphate
Step 3: Activated Isoprene Units Condense to Form Squalene
- The two isoprenes join and displace one set of diphosphates -> forms geranyl pyrophosphate - Geranyl pyrophosphate joins another isopentenyl pyrophosphate -> forms 15-C farnesyl pyrophosphate - Two farnesyl pyrophosphates join to form phosphate-free squalene
Step 4 Conversion of Squalene to 4-Ring Cholesterol
- Squalene monooxygenase adds one oxygen to the end of the squalene chain -> forms squalene 2,3-epoxide - Here pathways diverse in animal cells vs. plant cells - The cyclization product in animals is lanosterol, which converts to cholesterol - In plants, the epoxide cyclizes to other sterols such as ergosterol.
In vertebrates, most cholesterol is synthezied in the ____, then what?
In vertebrates, most cholesterol is synthezied in the liver, and then exported. - As bile acid, biliary cholesterol or cholesteryl esters
Where is Bile Stored, Secreted?
Stored in the gall bladder, and secreted into small intestin after a fatty meal.
Bile Acid _____ fats.
Emulsify = surround dropltes of fat, increase the surface area for attack by lipases
The adrenal Gland synthesizes ______ and _____
mineralcorticoids and glucocorticoids
What are some gonad-synthesized steroids
Progesterone Androgens Estrogens
Cholesteryl Esters are more _____ than cholesterol
non-polar
Cholesteryl Esters
Contain a fatty acid esterified to the oxygen - Come from a fatty acyl-CoA - makes the cholesterol more hydrophobic, unable to enter membranes Transported in lipoproteins to other tissues or stored in liver.
Lipoprotein protein particles
carry lipids through the plasma, the surface is made of proteins (apolipoproteins) and a phospoholipid monolayer. Interior contains cholesterol, triglycerides, cholesteryl esters.
Chylomicron: Identifiying apoLp & Characteristics
apoB-48 + other apoLp’s, Largest lipoprotein delivers cholesterol and triglycerides from gut to tissues and liver Major contributor to composition: Triglycerides (85%)
VLDL: Identifiying apoLp & Characteristics
Very Low density lipoprotein apoB-100 + other apoLp’s synthesized in liver delivers triglycerides to tissues as fatty acids via lipoprotein lipases Major contributor to composition: Triglycerides (50%)
IDL: Identifiying apoLp & Characteristics
Intermediate density lipoprotein: between VLDL and LDL apoB-100 short-lived lipoprotein
LDL: Identifiying apoLp & Characteristics
apo-B-100 only Stays in circulation much longer than other lipproteins Major contributor to Composition: Cholesteryl Esters
Lp(a)
Homologous between LDL and plasminogen
HDL
High Density Lipoprotein apoA-I and apoA-II generally good for the body Major contributor to composition: Protein
Apolipoproteins
The protein portion of a lipoprotein particle, without the lipid.
Helps solubilize the lipoprotein particle in the circulation.
Change conformation to adjust to changing lipid contents, composition and metabolic states of the lipoproteins
Can activate or inhibit plasma enzymes, serve as ligands for cell surface receptors
Dietary fatty acids are absorbed in the _____ _______.
Dietary fatty acids are absorbed in the small intestine.