What are phospholipids?
Phospholipids are a type of lipid. (2)
Phospholipids can also be synthesized by the body, so they don’t have to be consumed in the diet.(1)
Where are phospholipids located?
Phospholipids are a major component of all cell membranes. (2)
What are types of phospholipids?
phosphatidylcholine (PC) (3) – also known as lecithin, located in the outer layer of the cell membrane. It is essential for making acetylcholine. (3)
phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (3) – commonly found in the inner layer of the cell membrane. It is involved in cell division and fusion. (3)
phosphatidylinositol (PI) (3) – It is located in the cell membrane. It is critical for intracellular signaling and anchoring proteins to the cell membrane. (3)
phosphatidylserine (PS) (3) – mostly located in the inner layer of the cell membrane. It plays a crucial role in cell signalling and apoptosis. (3)
phosphatidic acid (PA) (3) – It acts as a precursor for many other phospholipids and has roles in lipid signallying pathways. (3)
sphingomyelin (SM) (3) – It is based on the sphingosine backbone. It is primarily found in the myelin sheath. It speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses. (3)
Resources
1. https://openoregon.pressbooks.pub/nutritionscience/chapter/5b-lipid-types-structures/
2. ChatGPT 4, 7/17/23 “What are phospholipids?”
3. ChatGPT 4, 7/17/23 “What are types of phospholipids?”
