phosphatidic acid

chemical compound

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Phosphatidic acid is a crucial chemical compound in the synthesis of lipids, which are essential for life. It is formed when glycerol 1-phosphate combines with two fatty acyl coenzyme A molecules. This process is a key step in creating both triglycerides, which store energy, and phospholipids, which are vital components of cell membranes.1

Phospholipids have a unique structure with a water-attracting (hydrophilic) phosphate end and a water-repelling (hydrophobic) fatty acid end. This amphipathic nature allows them to form the lipid bilayer, the fundamental structure of all cell membranes. This bilayer acts as a barrier, controlling what enters and leaves the cell. Phosphatidic acid is a precursor to various phospholipids, playing a role in cellular signaling and membrane function.23

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

6 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

metabolism
Formation of lipids
…(neutral fat) is formed from phosphatidic acid in a reaction catalyzed by a phosphatase that results in loss of the phosphate group (reaction [84]); the diglyceride thus formed can then accept a third molecule of fatty acyl coenzyme A (represented as R″C∥OS―CoA in [84a]).
Read More
…(neutral fat) is formed from phosphatidic acid in a reaction catalyzed by a phosphatase that results in loss of the phosphate group (reaction [84]); the diglyceride thus formed can then accept a third molecule of fatty acyl coenzyme A (represented as R″C∥OS―CoA in [84a]).
Read More