Question

Cephalin is the term used to Describe

• A. Phosphatidylethanolamine
• B. Phosphatidylserine
• C. Phosphatidylcholine
• D. Plasmalogens

Hint:

Remember the common lipid pairings:
Lecithin = Phosphatidylcholine (PC)
Cephalin = Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Phospholipids are major structural lipids in cellular membranes.
They consist of a glycerol backbone, two fatty acid chains, and a phosphate group linked to a polar head group.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Historically, several common names were given to phospholipids before their chemical structures were fully characterized.
Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is a highly abundant phospholipid in biological membranes, particularly in the brain and spinal cord tissues.
Because it was first isolated from brain tissue (from the Greek word "kephale" for head), it was given the common name "cephalin."
Similarly, phosphatidylcholine is commonly known as "lecithin."
Phosphatidylserine and plasmalogens are structurally distinct lipid classes and are not referred to as cephalin.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Cephalin is the common biochemical name used to describe phosphatidylethanolamine.