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AAT Bioquest

What are some examples of phospholipids?

Posted November 16, 2023


Answer

Common examples of phospholipids include: phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, sphingomyelin and phosphatidylethanolamine. 

  1. Sphingomyelin is located in brain and neuronal tissue. This phospholipid is a type of choline phospholipids. 
  2. Phosphatidylcholine is the most abundant phospholipid in cell membranes. This phospholipid is a source of choline in the body, and is contained in eggs, sunflower, and soybeans. 
  3. Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid which protects neurons and transmits signals between them. This phospholipid is found within the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane in normal homeostatic conditions. 
  4. Phosphatidylethanolamine is a multifunctional phospholipid that is necessary for mammalian development and other cellular processes. More specifically, it encourages membrane fusion and fission processes, structural changes in protein structure, and incorporates proteins into membranes. 
Additional resources

Lipid Molecules

Plasma Membrane

iFluor® 488-Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA) Conjugate

Cell Navigator® Cell Plasma Membrane Staining Kit *Green Fluorescence*