Q. 15.43 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify the following glycerophospholipid, which is found in the nerves and spinal cord in the body, as a lecithin or cephalin, and list its components:

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The given structure is a cephalin because it includes amino alcohol connected to the phosphate group, which is attached to the glycerol. 

One stearic acid $(18:0)$ and one oleic acid (18:1) molecule is connected to the glycerol skeleton.

Step1: Introduction.

Cephalins are phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylserines that are phospoacylglycerols. It is made up of two fatty acid chains as well as an amino alcohol that is linked to a phosphate group.

Phosphatidylcholines are classified into two types based on the sort of fatty acids linked to the glycerol in the phosphatidylcholine structure.

Step2: Given Information.

Identify as a lecithin or cephalin the following glycerophospholipid discovered in the body's nerves and spinal cord, and record its components.

Step3: Explanation.

The given structure is cephalin because it includes amino alcohol connected to the phosphate group, which is attached to the glycerol. 

One stearic acid (18:0) and one oleic acid (18:1) molecule is connected to the glycerol skeleton.