The molecule at the left is an example of which lipid? CH wax C-0-C-H terpene steroid CH-O sphingolipid glycerophospholipid
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
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
Related questions
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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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