Question:

Which one of the followings is a phosphorous-containing membrane lipid?

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Lipids ending in "-myelin" or starting with "Phospho-" are your primary phosphorus-containing candidates.
Cerebrosides and Gangliosides are Glycolipids (Sugar-containing), not Phospholipids.
  • Sphingomylein
  • Ceramide
  • Sulphoquinovosyl diacylglycerol (SQDG)
  • Cerebroside
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Biological membranes contain various types of lipids: phospholipids, glycolipids, and sterols. The question identifies which of the listed sphingolipids or glycolipids contains a phosphate group.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Sphingomyelin: This is a type of sphingolipid found in animal cell membranes, especially in the myelin sheath. It consists of a sphingosine backbone, a fatty acid, and a phosphocholine or phosphoethanolamine head group. Because it contains a phosphate, it is a phospholipid (specifically a phosphosphingolipid).

Ceramide: A ceramide consists of sphingosine and a fatty acid. It is the structural precursor to all sphingolipids but does not contain a phosphate group.

Cerebroside: This is a neutral glycolipid consisting of a ceramide and a single sugar residue (glucose or galactose). It does not contain phosphorus.

SQDG: Found primarily in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, this is a sulfolipid. It contains sulfur in a sugar head group, not phosphorus.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Among the choices, only Sphingomyelin contains a phosphorus atom in its polar head group.
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