THERE ARE TWO CLASSES OF PHOSPHOLIPIDS: 1. Those that have glycerol as a backbone and 2. Those that contain sphingosine. Both classes are found as structural components of membranes, and both play a role in the generation of lipid-signaling molecules.

Types of phospholipids The simplest glycerophospholipid is phosphatidic acid (PA) It consists of glycerol, phosphate, and 2 fatty acyl chains in ester linkages Phosphatidic acid is the parent compound for all PO4 with additional group form Polar head. 2 Fatty acids form non polar tail. Amphipathic molecule

THE PHOSPHOLIPIDS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT GROUP OF MEMBRANE LIPIDS THE PHOSPHOLIPIDS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT GROUP OF MEMBRANE LIPIDS. THEY INCLUDE phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, and sphingomyelin.

Types of Glycero-phospholipids Phosphotidyl Choline. (Lecithin) Present in membrane, plasma, & bile Forms component of cell membrane Decrease surface tension of aqueous later of lung Detergent property solubilize cholesterol in bile (Gall stone) LCAT esterify cholesterol in HDL Phosphotidyl Ethanol amine.(Cephalin) Brain lipid

Types of Glycero-phospholipids Phosphotidyl Serine. Apoptosis Phosphotidyl Inositol Precursor of Second Messengers Phosphatidyl Glycerol. Cardiolipin. Mitochondrial Membranes

In membranes, the hydrophobic portion of a phospholipid molecule is associated with the nonpolar portions of other membrane constituents, such as glycolipids, proteins, and cholesterol. The hydrophilic (polar) head of the phospholipid extends outward, interacting with the intracellular or extracellular aqueous environment

INOSITOL phospholipids in the cell membrane act as precursors of hormone second messengers

Phospholipids also take part in the metabolism of many other lipids Phospholipids also take part in the metabolism of many other lipids. Some phospholipids have specialized functions; eg, DIPALMITOYL LECITHIN is a major component of lung surfactant, which is lacking in respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn. PLASMALOGEN, platelet-activating factor is an alkylphospholipid.

Nonmembrane-bound phospholipids serve additional functions in the body, for example, essential components of bile, where their detergent properties aid in the solubilization of cholesterol.

Neurotransmitters This is a picture of three neurons, each neuron is connected to at LEAST one other neuron. The zoomed in portion shows how neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and bind to the next. Neurons must be able to communicate with each other they do this by passing on signals. There are two types of ways neurons signal one another, both result in a charge flowing from one neuron to the next. Neurotransmitters are one way neurons signal each other. One neuron releases a “neurotransmitter” and the other neuron has special receptors that bind to the transmitter thus sending information. There are hundreds of neurotransmitters..

Diet As discussed previously your brain requires large amounts of glucose as a fuel source. But your brain requires other resources as well. Brains need a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and lipids to function. Brains do more then use energy they also form new synapses (learning), make repairs to damaged cells, produce neurotransmitters, and more. All of these tasks require a variety of materials for successful brain function. Malnutrition while the brain is growing leads to obvious problems. It’s like running out of lumber before the house is built- no lumber the house does not get built, no nutrition - the brain does not get built. Remember if your body is starved so is your brain.