Question

Draw the condensed structural formula for a glycerophospholipid that contains glycerol, two stearic acids, phosphate, and ethanolamine (ionized).

Accepted Answer

Understand the structure of a glycerophospholipid: A glycerophospholipid consists of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid chains attached to the first two hydroxyl groups of glycerol, and a phosphate group attached to the third hydroxyl group. The phosphate group is further bonded to an amino alcohol, in this case, ethanolamine (ionized). Identify the components: Glycerol is a three-carbon molecule with three hydroxyl groups (-OH). Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid with the formula CH₃(CH₂)₁₆COOH. Phosphate is PO₄³⁻, and ethanolamine (ionized) is H₂NCH₂CH₂OH, where the amino group is protonated to NH₃⁺ in its ionized form. Attach the two stearic acid molecules to the glycerol backbone: The hydroxyl groups on the first and second carbons of glycerol react with the carboxyl groups of the two stearic acid molecules to form ester bonds. This results in two long hydrocarbon chains attached to the glycerol backbone. Attach the phosphate group to the third carbon of glycerol: The hydroxyl group on the third carbon of glycerol reacts with the phosphate group to form a phosphoester bond. This creates the hydrophilic head of the glycerophospholipid. Attach the ethanolamine (ionized) to the phosphate group: The phosphate group forms a bond with the ethanolamine molecule, completing the structure. The final condensed structural formula will show the glycerol backbone, two stearic acid chains, the phosphate group, and the ethanolamine group in their appropriate positions.

Draw the condensed structural formula for a glycerophospholipid that contains glycerol, two stearic acids, phosphate, and ethanolamine (ionized).

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Concetti chiave

Glycerophospholipid Structure

Fatty Acids

Ethanolamine Head Group