BIOCHEM | Glycolipids

Glycolipid

made out of a lipid and a carbohydrate, it has a structure of one or two fatty acids combined with a mono/oligosaccharide group connected to a sphingolipid or glycerol group backbone

Fatty Acid Chains (in glycolipids)

attached to the backbone

Carbohydrate group (in glycolipids)

gives its hydrophilic property; extends out from the cell membrane to the extracellular space

Properties of Glycolipids

amphipatic, forms bilayer, the hydrophilic carbohydrate portion faces the extracellular environment, non-saponifiable

Functions of Glycolipids

• make up 3% of the outer layer of the cell membrane

• membrane stability

• formation of glycocalyx

• regulate cell growth

• determine blood type

• receptor on surface of red blood cells

• identify and eliminate pathogen

Glycosphingolipids

Sphingolipid with at least one sugar molecule attached to the ceramide

Cerebrosides

has a single sugar molecule; found in the brain and peripheral nervous tissue, serve as insulators and a protective coating

Gangliosides

neutral compounds with sialic acid residues, has an oligosaccharide, major component of animal cell membrane, especially in the neurons

Glyceroglycolipids

made out of glycerol, fatty acids, carbohydrates and seen in chloroplasts, eukaryotic algae, and cyanobacteria

Glycosylphosphatidylinositols

composed of carbohydrates, lipids, and phosphates lipid anchors in the cell membrane of eukaryotic cells and remodel the cell wall polymers in fungi

Tay-Sachs Disease | Cause and Effect

Caused by deficiency in the enzyme hexosaminidase A and leads to build up of GM2 gangliosides in nerve cells

Tay-Sachs Disease | Symptoms

Progressive neurodegeneration, including muscle weakness, loss of motor skills, and eventually severe cognitive impairment and paralysis

Gaucher Disease | Cause and Effect

Caused by mutations in the GBA gene, leading to deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase and accumulation of it in various organs

Gaucher Disease | Symptoms

Enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), bone pain and fractures, anemia, and fatigue.

Fabry Disease | Cause and Effect

Caused by deficiency in the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A and buildup of globotriaosylceramide in blood vessels and tissues

Fabry Disease | Symptoms

Pain, particularly in the hands and feet, skin rashes, kidney dysfunction, heart problems, and increased risk of stroke.

Krabbe Disease | Cause and Effect

Caused by deficiency in the enyzme galactocerebrosidase leading to the accumulation of galactosylceramide that destroys myelin, the protective covering of nerve cells

Krabbe Disease | Symptoms

Severe neurological symptoms, including developmental delays, muscle stiffness, irritability, feeding difficulties, progressive loss of motor skills and cognitive functions, often leading to early death