By: Alena LatyshevaPhospholipids

• Phospholipids are lipid-protein structures that make up the cellular membrane of all cells. They consist of a polar (hydrophilic) head and nonpolar (lipophilic) tails that help determine what goes in and out of the cell. They are one of the most abundant substances in the an organism’s body, and are needed by organisms to survive.

What is a Phospholipid?

Phospholipids contain two fatty acyl molecules connected to the glycerol at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions , and they also contain a phosphate residue linked to a headgroup at the sn-3 position.

What the Structure of Phospholipids?

Phospholipids are needed by organisms because they help with the absorption, transport, and storage of lipids.

Phospholipids help with the digestion of dietary fat, and they help with digestion by being secreted into bile.

Purpose/Functions of Phospholipids

• They stabilize proteins within the membrane, are cofactors in enzymatic reactions, and facilitate the structures of proteins.

• In plants, phospholipids produce Jasmonic acid, which is a plant hormone that signals defensive responses against any disease causing agents that may enter the plant

Purpose/Function of Phospholipids

Phospholipids are also very important because they help cells maintain homeostasis within themselves.

They are very selective about what enters and leaves the cell, and this allows the diffusion of small molecules, like oxygen, carbon, and hydrocarbon.

This also stops and prevents the free diffusion of large molecules, like glucose, water, and charged ions.

Purposes/Functions of Phospholipids

Phospholipids are found in the cells of organisms because they make up the cell membrane of cells. Phospholipids are part of a major organic group called lipids, which consist of a broad group of naturally occurring molecules with fats. This is why phospholipids are in most fatty foods, like cake, cupcakes, cookies, french fries, etc. Another common source of phospholipids is lecithin, and it is found egg yolks, sunflower seeds, soy beans, etc.

Where Can You Find Phospholipids?

Phosphatidylcholine is one of the most essential phospholipids that organisms need. It has a cylindrical shape, and accounts for about 50% of all the cellular phospholipids. There is a very large amount of PC in mammalian membranes. It has a lot of critical and important functions that help organisms function properly.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC)

PC is made up of a hydrophilic head made from phosphorylcholine (choline + phosphate) , a glycerol, and and two hydrophobic fatty acid tails. Due to this structure, when PCs are placed in an aqueous medium, they align their hydrophilic heads toward the aqueous medium. Their hydrophobic tails face inward, or toward each other, which forms a bilayer molecular sheet. This provides a barrier to the outside world of the cell membrane.

Structure of Phosphatidylcholine

Taking PC supplements by using a product called “essential phospholipids” has many benefits and uses.

Some examples are:

• Support of Cell membrane structure and function

• Energy production and storage

• Aid in blood clotting

• Increasing cholesterol solubility and antioxidant protection

• Protection against liver damage

• Clinical benefits for people with kidney disorders, like headaches, dizziness, loss of memory and concentration, etc.

Functions of PC

PE is the second most abundant phospholipid in the mammalian membrane. It makes up about 20-30% of all the phospholipids and is also essential. It is found mostly in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, and consists of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphoric acid. The phosphate group is combined with ethanolamine, instead of with choline, like in PC.

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)

PE helps with the insertion of proteins, maintains the integrity of the cell membrane, forms non-bilayer structures, and is needed for the stability and growth of mitochondria. The ability of PE to form non-bilayer structures is important because it helps in the formation of membranes and vesicles, as well as membrane budding and fusion processes.

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) Functions

http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-phospholipid-structure-functions-composition.html

Phospholipid Video

Time For a 5 Question Quiz!

What make up the structure of Phospholipids?

a. Fatty acyl chains, glycerol, phosphate group, and a headgroup

b. Fatty acyl chains, carbon, and a phosphate group

c. Lipids, glycerol, helium group, and a headgroup

d. Polar tails and nonpolar heads

Question #1

Where can you find phospholipids?

a. Just in water

b. In nonliving things

c. In cell membranes and fatty foods

d. In chemicals

Question #2

What is the most abundant phospholipid in the mammalian membrane?

a. Phosphatidylethanolamine

b. Phosphatidylglycerol

c. Phosphatidylserine

d. Phosphatidylcholine

Question #3

What are some important functions or purposes of phosphatidylcholine?

a. Help increase your metabolism and protects your body from intestinal damage

b. Help your body maintain homeostasis and produce nutrients

c. Help with cell renewal and protect your body from diseases

d. Aid in blood clotting, support cell membrane, energy production, and protection against liver damage

Question #4

What is the acid that phospholipids produce in plants that help give the plants signals of any diseases entering them?

a. Sulfuric acid

b. Jasmonic Acid

c. Nitric Acid

d. Carbonic Acid

Question #5

1.) “What are Phospholipids?.” www.innovateus.net. InnovateUS.Inc, 2006-2013. Web. 11 May 2015.

2.) Kelly, Karen and Jacobs, Rene. “Animal Lipid Biochemistry: Phospholipid Biosynthesis.” www.lipidlibrary.aocs.org. AOCS, 28 July 2011. Web. 11 May 2015.

3.) Lenard, Lane. “The Power of Essential Phospholipids.” www.life-enhancement.com. Life Enhancement Products, Inc., 2015. Web. 11 May 2015.

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