Basic Principles of Medicine: Lipids

A collection of flashcards to aid in reviewing important vocabulary related to lipids, specifically focusing on phospholipids and glycolipids.

Complex lipids

Types of lipids that include phospholipids and glycolipids, which are composed of various non-lipid components.

Phospholipids

A class of lipids that are a major component of all cell membranes, consisting of glycerophospholipids and sphingophospholipids.

Glycerophospholipids

A type of phospholipid that contains a glycerol backbone bonded to two fatty acids and a phosphate group.

Sphingophospholipid

A type of phospholipid containing sphingosine, a fatty acid, a phosphate group, and often choline.

Glycolipids

Lipids with a carbohydrate attached, important for cell recognition and signaling.

Amphipathic

Describing molecules that have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions.

Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC)

A glycerophospholipid that serves as a lung surfactant, decreasing surface tension and preventing alveolar collapse.

Lecithin

A common name for phosphatidylcholine, which is the most abundant phospholipid in cell membranes.

Cardiolipin

A specific type of glycerophospholipid found in the inner mitochondrial membrane, important for mitochondrial function.

Sphingosine

An amino alcohol that is the backbone of sphingolipids such as sphingomyelin and glycosphingolipids.

Tay-Sachs disease

A genetic disorder caused by the deficiency of hexosaminidase A, leading to the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides.

Glycocalyx

A glycoprotein and glycolipid covering that surrounds the cell membrane, playing a role in cell recognition and protection.

N-acetyl neuraminic acid (NANA)

A type of sugar that is part of the structure of gangliosides, particularly in neuronal tissues.

Phosphatidylethanolamine

A glycerophospholipid that is a significant component of the inner leaflet of cell membranes.

Phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2)

A signaling molecule involved in cellular Ca²⁺ signaling and other signaling pathways.

Sulfatide

A type of glycolipid that contains sulfate and is found in myelin, critical for nervous tissue.