Question 1

Which of the following is a defining structural feature of all sphingolipids?

Accepted Answer

They always contain a sphingosine backbone.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the role of the variable head group (X) in sphingolipids?

Accepted Answer

It dictates the structure and function of the sphingolipid.

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE of sphingophospholipids?

Accepted Answer

They contain a phosphate group as the variable head group.

Question 4

Which of the following best matches the description: 'A complex sphingolipid with a lactosyl residue'?

Accepted Answer

Glycosphingolipid

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a class of sphingolipid?

Accepted Answer

Phosphatidylserine

Question 6

A lipid molecule contains a sphingosine backbone, a fatty acid, and a phosphate group attached to choline. Which class does it belong to?

Accepted Answer

Sphingophospholipid

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a ceramide?

Accepted Answer

A sphingolipid with a single fatty acid and no head group.

Question 8

Which of the following is a major function of gangliosides in biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

Cell recognition and signaling

Question 9

Which of the following statements about glycosphingolipids is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

They contain one or more carbohydrate groups as the head group.

Question 10

A patient has a genetic disorder affecting the breakdown of gangliosides. Which organelle is most likely to accumulate these lipids?

Accepted Answer

Lysosome

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between sphingomyelin and cerebroside?

Accepted Answer

Sphingomyelin contains a phosphate group, while cerebroside contains a carbohydrate group.

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct formula for the general structure of a sphingolipid?

Accepted Answer

$\mathrm{Sphingosine} + \mathrm{Fatty\ Acid} + \mathrm{Variable\ Head\ Group}$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of sphingolipids in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They are involved in cell recognition and signal transduction.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct match between a lipid type and its description?

Accepted Answer

Fatty acid – Chains of hydrogen-bearing carbon atoms with a carboxylic acid

Question 15

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of gangliosides compared to cerebrosides?

Accepted Answer

Gangliosides contain oligosaccharides with sialic acid, while cerebrosides contain a single sugar.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of ceramide in sphingolipid metabolism?

Accepted Answer

It is a precursor for the synthesis of more complex sphingolipids.

Sphingolipids: Structure, Classification, and Biological Roles

Study Guide - Practice Questions