sphingomyelin
Quick Summary
Sphingomyelin is a type of lipid that plays a role in biological membranes, particularly in nervous tissue. It is one of the principal classes of lipids that form the bilayer matrix of cell membranes. Unlike other sphingolipids, sphingomyelin contains a phosphorylcholine group instead of a sugar moiety, making it similar to phosphatidylcholine.123
Sphingomyelin is a component of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerves. Abnormal accumulation of sphingomyelin in the body is characteristic of certain hereditary disorders known as lipid storage diseases, such as Niemann-Pick disease. In these conditions, a defect in an enzyme prevents the proper metabolism of sphingomyelin, leading to its buildup in various tissues and interfering with cell function.14
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- sphingolipid
Sphingomyelins, which are the only phosphorus-containing sphingolipids, are most abundant in nervous tissue, but they also occur in the blood.
Read MoreSphingomyelins, which are the only phosphorus-containing sphingolipids, are most abundant in nervous tissue, but they also occur in the blood.
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lipidGlycerophospholipids…many glycerophospholipids as well as sphingomyelin (discussed below) can be in either one of two states, gel or liquid-crystalline. In the solidlike gel state, the lipid molecules in each half of the bilayer are arranged in a two-dimensional lattice, with their two acyl chains in the extended form. With the…
Read More…many glycerophospholipids as well as sphingomyelin (discussed below) can be in either one of two states, gel or liquid-crystalline. In the solidlike gel state, the lipid molecules in each half of the bilayer are arranged in a two-dimensional lattice, with their two acyl chains in the extended form. With the…
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