The molecule at the left is an example of which lipid? CH wax C-0-C-H terpene steroid CH-O sphingolipid glycerophospholipid

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
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### Molecular Structure and Lipid Classification

The image shows a structural formula of a lipid molecule. To the right of the molecule is a question: 

"The molecule at the left is an example of which lipid?"

Possible answers are listed as follows:
a) wax  
b) terpene  
c) steroid  
d) sphingolipid  
e) glycerophospholipid  

### Explanation:

#### Molecular Structure:
- The molecule features a long hydrocarbon tail, likely indicative of fatty acid chains, terminating at an ester linkage.
- It contains two ester bonds connecting fatty acid tails to a glycerol backbone.
- A phosphate group is present, attached at the third carbon of the glycerol, which is a characteristic element in certain types of lipids.

This structure is typical of a **glycerophospholipid**, a category of phospholipids that play a critical role in cell membrane composition. The presence of the phosphate group linked to glycerol is a key identifying feature. 

These biomolecules are pivotal in forming the lipid bilayers of cells, contributing significantly to cellular structure and function.
Transcribed Image Text:### Molecular Structure and Lipid Classification The image shows a structural formula of a lipid molecule. To the right of the molecule is a question: "The molecule at the left is an example of which lipid?" Possible answers are listed as follows: a) wax b) terpene c) steroid d) sphingolipid e) glycerophospholipid ### Explanation: #### Molecular Structure: - The molecule features a long hydrocarbon tail, likely indicative of fatty acid chains, terminating at an ester linkage. - It contains two ester bonds connecting fatty acid tails to a glycerol backbone. - A phosphate group is present, attached at the third carbon of the glycerol, which is a characteristic element in certain types of lipids. This structure is typical of a **glycerophospholipid**, a category of phospholipids that play a critical role in cell membrane composition. The presence of the phosphate group linked to glycerol is a key identifying feature. These biomolecules are pivotal in forming the lipid bilayers of cells, contributing significantly to cellular structure and function.
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