Skip to main content
Back

Glycerophospholipids definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/15
  • Phospholipid
    A lipid containing at least one phosphate group, serving as a major structural component of cell membranes.
  • Glycerophospholipid
    A fatty acid-based lipid with a glycerol 3-phosphate backbone and two fatty acid chains, forming the bulk of cell membranes.
  • Glycerol
    A three-carbon molecule acting as the platform for certain lipids, including glycerophospholipids.
  • Phosphate Group
    A functional group attached to the platform molecule, contributing to the polar head of membrane lipids.
  • Fatty Acid Chain
    A hydrocarbon tail attached to the platform molecule, providing the nonpolar region of membrane lipids.
  • Amphipathic
    A property describing molecules with both polar and nonpolar regions, enabling membrane formation.
  • Phosphodiester Linkage
    A chemical bond connecting the phosphate group to a variable head group in glycerophospholipids.
  • Variable Head Group
    A polar group attached to the phosphate, determining the class and function of glycerophospholipids.
  • Phosphatidate
    The simplest glycerophospholipid, featuring a deprotonated phosphate group and no additional head group.
  • Phosphatidylcholine
    A class of glycerophospholipid with choline as the head group, most abundant in cell membranes.
  • Phosphatidylserine
    A glycerophospholipid class with serine as the head group, influencing membrane function.
  • Phosphoglyceride
    A synonym for glycerophospholipid, emphasizing the presence of both phosphate and glycerol.
  • Phosphoacylglycerol
    Another synonym for glycerophospholipid, highlighting the acyl (fatty acid) and glycerol components.
  • Cell Membrane
    A biological structure primarily composed of phospholipids, providing compartmentalization and protection.
  • Saturation
    A characteristic of fatty acid chains, referring to the presence or absence of double bonds, affecting membrane properties.