Lipid Metabolism: Acylglycerols, Sphingolipids, and Eicosanoids

These flashcards cover key concepts and details related to lipid metabolism, focusing on acylglycerols, sphingolipids, and eicosanoids as outlined in the lecture notes.

What are Acylglycerols and their significance in the body?

Acylglycerols constitute the majority of lipids in the body, mainly in the form of triacylglycerols, which are major lipids in fat deposits and play important roles in lipid transport and storage.

What is the primary structure of Glycerol?

Glycerol is a simple, three-carbon chain molecule with a hydroxyl group (OH) bonded to each carbon atom.

What role do phospholipids play in biological membranes?

Phospholipids are major constituents of biological membranes, with a phosphate group attached to the third glycerol carbon, referred to as the 'Head group'.

Where does the biosynthesis of triacylglycerols primarily occur?

Biosynthesis primarily takes place in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of the liver and in adipose cells.

What enzyme is responsible for the hydrolysis of triglycerides?

Lingual and gastric lipases hydrolyze triglycerides, producing free fatty acids and monoacylglycerols.

How are glycolipids formed?

Glycolipids are formed when carbohydrates bind to lipids, usually replacing the glycerol backbone with sphingosine.

What is the significance of sphingomyelin?

Sphingomyelin is a type of sphingolipid, derived from ceramide, and is important in the structure and function of cell membranes.

What are true demyelinating diseases?

True demyelinating diseases are conditions characterized by the loss of myelin in the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.

What is Niemann-Pick disease?

Niemann-Pick disease is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by sphingomyelin accumulation due to a lack of acid sphingomyelinase activity.

What are eicosanoids and their origin?

Eicosanoids are compounds derived from eicosa (20-carbon) polyenoic fatty acids and include prostanoids, leukotrienes, and lipoxins.