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Sphingolipid Recap definitions

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  • Sphingolipid
    A fatty acid-based molecule classified by its head group, influencing both structure and cellular function.
  • Ceramide
    A basic sphingolipid with a hydrogen head group and an amide bond linking the fatty acid.
  • Amide Bond
    A linkage connecting fatty acid to the backbone in certain lipids, crucial for structural identity.
  • Sphingomyelin
    A sphingophospholipid featuring a phosphocholine head group, contributing to membrane structure.
  • Phosphocholine
    A head group containing phosphate and choline, found in specific sphingolipids.
  • Sphingophospholipid
    A sphingolipid subclass with a phosphate-containing head group, such as sphingomyelin.
  • Sphingoglycolipid
    A sphingolipid subclass with sugar-based head groups, including cerebrosides, globosides, and gangliosides.
  • Cerebroside
    A sphingoglycolipid with a single sugar residue as its head group, often glucose.
  • Globoside
    A sphingoglycolipid with multiple sugar residues in its head group, increasing complexity.
  • Ganglioside
    A sphingoglycolipid with a branched oligosaccharide head group containing sialic acid.
  • Oligosaccharide
    A short, branched carbohydrate chain present in the head group of certain sphingolipids.
  • Sialic Acid
    A sugar derivative, often Neu5Ac, found in the head group of gangliosides.
  • Neu5Ac
    A specific form of sialic acid commonly present in ganglioside head groups.
  • Fatty Acid Length
    A variable feature in sphingolipids affecting their diversity and membrane properties.
  • Saturation
    A characteristic of fatty acids in sphingolipids, influencing their structural and functional diversity.