Complex Lipids

Complex Lipids

1. Glycerophospholipids

   • Glycerol Backbone
   • C1 and C2 have ester linked FA's
   • C3 has a phosphate group (with linked group)
   • Named for Phosphate linked group
     • "Phosphotidyl -"
       • ...ethanolamine
       • ...choline
       • ...serine

2. Ether-linked glycerophospholipids (less common)

   • Ether analog of phosphotidylethanolamine
   • Common in vertebrae heart tissue
   • Found in Protazoa/anaerobic bacteria
   • Function is not well understood
   • Ether analog of phosphotidylcholine
   • Ether-linked acetic acid on C2
   • Function
     • First signaling lipid to be identified
     • Stimulates aggregation of blood platelets
     • Plays role in mediation of inflammation

3. Sphingophospholipid

   • Sphingosine backbone and one lipid tail
   • Amide linked FA
   • Phosphate/phosphate linked polar head group
   • Sphingomyelin
     • Sphingosine Backbone
     • 1 amine linked FA
     • Phosphocoline Polar head group
   • Phosphotidylcholine
     • Glycerol Backbone
     • 2 ester-linked FA's
     • Phosphocoline polar head group

4. Glycosphingolipids and Blood Groups

   • Blood groups are determined in part by sugars in head group
   • Sugar is determined by and expression of specific glycosyltansferase