Sphingolipids

Spingolipids are a class of lipids found in membranes, particularly of nervous tissue. Sphingolipids are derived ultimately from palmitoyl-CoA and serine, as shown in the reaction of Figure 19.13. Ceramides are sphingolipids containing two acyl-moieties. The more complex, carbohydrate-containing sphingolipids, such as the cerebrosides and the gangliosides, are derived from the ceramides. Sphingolipids containing a carbohydrate are called glycosphingolipids.

See also: Palmitic Acid, Sphingosine, Sphingomyelin, Globosides

INTERNET LINKS:

> 1. Glycosphingolipids

> 2. Sphingolipid Metabolism

> 3. Sphingoglycolipid Metabolism