Lipids/protein Flashcards
(9 cards)
What are sphingolipids?
Sphingolipids are lipids whose structure is based on sphingosine and do not contain glycerol. They are particularly abundant in the nervous system.
What is ceryl palmitate?
Ceryl palmitate is a wax produced by certain plants and is a principal component of carnauba wax.
What is a ceramide?
A ceramide is a compound consisting of sphingosine linked to a fatty acid via an amide bond.
What are glycolipids?
Glycolipids are lipids that have a carbohydrate bound to an alcohol group of the lipid by a glycosidic linkage.
What is a cerebroside?
A cerebroside is a glycolipid formed from a ceramide and a sugar residue, typically glucose or galactose.
What are gangliosides?
Gangliosides are glycolipids with complex carbohydrate moieties that contain more than three sugars, including sialic acid.
What is the structure of steroids?
Steroids have a fused-ring system consisting of three six-membered rings (A, B, and C rings) and one five-membered ring (D ring).
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a steroid that is highly hydrophobic and widespread in biological membranes, especially in animals.
What role does cholesterol play in membranes?
Cholesterol modifies the role of membrane-bound proteins and serves as a precursor for other steroids and vitamin D.
