Q. 15.45 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Identify the following features of this phospholipid, which is abundant in the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells:

a. Is the phospholipid formed from glycerol or sphingosine?

b. What is the fatty acid?

c. What type of bond connects the fatty acid?

d. What is the amino alcohol?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(part  ) Sphingolipids are made up of an $18$ carbon complex alcohol called sphingosine. The phospholipid structure is derived from sphingosine.

(part  b) Palmitic acid is the fatty acid found in the given phospholipid. Palmitic acid $(16:0)$ denotes a fatty acid with $16$ carbons and no unsaturation.

(part  c) Amides are carboxylic acid derivatives wherein the hydroxyl group has been replaced by an alkyl or aromatic group at one or more of the nitrogen groups. 

(part  d) Ethylamine is the amino alcohol.

Step1: Introduction. (part a)

Myelin is a sheath or insulating layer that wraps around nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It's made up of protein but also fatty acids.

This myelin sheath means allowing electrical impulses to travel along nerve cells quickly and efficiently.

Step2: Given Information (part a).

Determine the characteristics of this phospholipid, which is abundant inside the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells.

Discover the phospholipid formed by glycerol or sphingosine

Step3: Explanation (part a).

Sphingolipids are polar fatty-acid-containing lipids that are important components of cell membranes.

Sphingolipids are made up of an $18$ carbon complex alcohol called sphingosine. Sphingosine is an unsaturated aminodialcohol with a carbon structure of $18.$ 

The phospholipid structure is derived from sphingosine.

Step4: Given Information (part b).

Determine the characteristics of this phospholipid, which is abundant inside the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells.

Evaluate the fatty acid.

Step5: Explanation (part b).

Palmitic acid is the fatty acid found in the given phospholipid.

Palmitic acid $(16:0)$ denotes a fatty acid with $16$ carbons and no unsaturation.

 It includes the structural formula $C{H}_3-{\left(C{H}_2\right)}_{14}-COOH$.

Step6: Given Information (part c).

Determine the characteristics of this phospholipid, which is abundant inside the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells.

Determine the type of bond that connects the fatty acid.

Step7: Explanation (part c).

The amide link connects the fatty acid $(-NHCO-).$ Amides are carboxylic acid derivatives wherein the hydroxyl group has been replaced by an alkyl or aromatic group at one or more of the nitrogen groups.

Step8: Given Information (part d).

Determine the characteristics of this phospholipid, which is abundant inside the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells.

Describe amino alcohol.

Step9: Explanation (part d).

Ethylamine is the amino alcohol.