Phospholipids are esters of glycerol with [2003]a)Three phosphate g...
Phospholipids are derivatives of glycerol in
which two of the hydroxyl groups are
esterified with fatty acids while the third is
esterified with some derivative of phosphoric
acid with some alcohol such as choline,
ethanolamine, serine or inositol.
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Phospholipids are esters of glycerol with [2003]a)Three phosphate g...
As phospholipids are derivatives of glycerol,they are the esters of glycerol withtwo carboxylic acid residues with one phosphate group
Phospholipids are esters of glycerol with [2003]a)Three phosphate g...
Understanding Phospholipids
Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes and play a crucial role in cellular functions. They are unique molecules that consist of a glycerol backbone, fatty acids, and a phosphate group.
Structure of Phospholipids
- Glycerol Backbone: Phospholipids start with a three-carbon sugar alcohol known as glycerol.
- Fatty Acids: Two of the glycerol's hydroxyl (-OH) groups are esterified with fatty acids (carboxylic acids). This forms two ester bonds.
- Phosphate Group: The third hydroxyl group of glycerol is attached to a phosphate group, resulting in a phosphodiester bond.
Why Option C is Correct
- Composition: The correct answer, option 'C', states that phospholipids are esters of glycerol with:
- Two Carboxylic Acid Residues: Representing the two fatty acids esterified to the glycerol.
- One Phosphate Group: Representing the phosphate group attached to the glycerol.
- Functionality: This unique structure provides phospholipids with hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails, essential for forming lipid bilayers in cell membranes.
Other Options Explained
- Option A: Incorrect as phospholipids do not have three phosphate groups.
- Option B: Incorrect as it suggests three carboxylic acid residues, while there are only two.
- Option D: Incorrect as it implies one carboxylic acid residue and two phosphate groups, which does not align with the typical structure of phospholipids.
In summary, phospholipids are indeed esters of glycerol with two carboxylic acid residues and one phosphate group, making option 'C' the correct choice.