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Sphingophospholipids definitions

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  • Sphingophospholipid
    A phospholipid with a sphingosine backbone and a phosphate group, forming amphipathic molecules crucial for membrane structure.
  • Sphingosine
    A platform molecule forming the backbone of certain lipids, replacing glycerol in specific phospholipids.
  • Phosphate Group
    A functional group attached to lipid backbones, contributing to the polar head and amphipathic nature of membrane lipids.
  • Fatty Acid Chain
    A hydrophobic tail component in phospholipids, influencing membrane properties and amphipathic character.
  • Glycerolipid
    A lipid class with a glycerol backbone, distinct from sphingolipids in structure and function.
  • Sphingolipid
    A lipid category featuring a sphingosine backbone, often involved in membrane structure and signaling.
  • Sphingomyelin
    The most prevalent sphingophospholipid, serving as a primary structural element in myelin sheaths of nerve cells.
  • Phosphocholine
    A polar head group found in certain sphingophospholipids, contributing to membrane surface properties.
  • Phosphoethanolamine
    A variable polar head group in sphingophospholipids, affecting membrane characteristics and interactions.
  • Amphipathic Molecule
    A compound possessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, enabling integration into lipid bilayers.
  • Myelin Sheath
    A membranous structure enveloping nerve cell axons, facilitating rapid signal transmission and insulation.
  • Axon
    A nerve cell extension surrounded by myelin, responsible for conducting electrical impulses efficiently.
  • Polar Head Group
    The hydrophilic region of a phospholipid, interacting with aqueous environments in biological membranes.
  • Lipid Bilayer
    A double-layered membrane structure formed by amphipathic lipids, essential for cellular compartmentalization.