These phospholipids are given names by simply adding the name of alcohol after the prefix ‘phosphatidyl’. Many glycerophospholipids simply contain an alcohol esterified to the phosphate group attached to the 3 rd carbon of glycerol. Having understood the structure of phosphatidic acid, it will easier for us now to have a look at the structure of various glycerophospholipids. The addition of a phosphate group to the third carbon of glycerol via phosphodiester bond converts DAG into phosphatidic acid (PA). They are the most abundant lipids in the membranes of living organisms.Īll glycerophospholipids either contain a molecule of phosphatidic acid or are its derivatives.Ī molecule of phosphatidic acid is made up of two components,ĭiacylglycerol contains glycerol alcohol along with two fatty acids attached to the first and second carbon of glycerol via ester bonds. These are the phospholipids that contain glycerol as an alcohol in their backbone. These are:īoth of them are present in the cellular membranes and perform important functions, essential for the maintenance of life. Phospholipids are divided into two broad categories based on the alcohol present in their backbone. The structure of individual phospholipids will be discussed as we move on in this article. The hydrophobic tails are attached to the polar head of the compound. Hydrophobic tails, made by two fatty acids present in them.Thus, each phospholipid has both polar and non-polar ends. However, the fatty acids impart the hydrophobic characteristics to these compounds. The presence of phosphate group in phospholipids makes them polar. However, it must for a phospholipid to have two fatty acids attached to alcohol via an ester bond, and a phosphate group attached to the same alcohol molecule via a phosphodiester bond. The nature of alcohol and the fatty acids varies from compound to compound. However, all the compounds included in this category follow one general structure or general formula. Phospholipids include a large variety of compounds that have different structures and properties. Later, we will try to understand the structure, metabolism and functions of some important phospholipids present in the human body. In this article, we will discuss the general structure and classification of phospholipids. They are the most prominent lipids present in all types of membranes.ĭifferent phospholipids have different structures, properties, and importance in the human body. Phospholipids are characterized by having a phosphate group in their structure making them polar compounds. Phospholipids are one of these heterogeneous compounds included in this category of biological molecules. Lipids is a broad category of organic compounds that vary greatly in their structure and properties.
What are the functions of phospholipids?.
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