Chapter 26, Problem 1P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The function of glycerol 3-phosphate, phosphatidate, diacylglycerol in the formation of triacylglycerol and phospholipid. should be determined.

Concept introduction:

Phospholipids are the basic constituent of all cell membranes. They usually form lipid bilayers. The structure of a phospholipid molecule has a tail made up of two hydrophobic fatty acid and a hydrophilic head comprising of a phosphate group.

Answer to Problem 1P

Glycerol 3-phosphate, phosphatidate, and diacylglycerol act as a precursor for the formation of triacylglycerol and phospholipid.

Explanation of Solution

Glycerol 3-phosphate acts as the base for the formation of both triacylglycerol and phospholipid. Glycerol 3-phosphate is a glycolytic chemical intermediate. Glycerol 3-phosphate is synthesized typically by the reduction of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (intermediate of gluconeogenesis).

Formation of phosphatidate:

Phosphatidate is formed during the initial step of the production of both triacylglycerols for energy storage and phospholipids for membranes.

Glycerol 3-phosphate become acylated by the acyl CoA. It then forms lysophosphatidate. Then this lysophosphatidate is again acylated by acyl CoA to form phosphatidate.

Formation of triacylglycerol:

During the formation of triacylglycerol, the phosphoryl group is eliminated from glycerol-3 phosphate to synthesize diacylglycerol. This diacylglycerol is then acylated to produce triacylglycerol.

Formation of phospholipid:

During the phospholipid production, phosphatidate usually reacts with Cytidine triphosphate or CTP. This reaction produces CDP-diacylglycerol. Then CDP-diacylglycerol further reacts with alcohol and produce a phospholipid. Instead, diacylglycerol can also react with a Cytidine Diphosphate or CDP alcohol to synthesize a phospholipid.

In this way, glycerol 3-phosphate, phosphatidate, diacylglycerol play an important role in the formation of triacylglycerol and phospholipid. These molecules act as a precursor for the formation of triacylglycerol and phospholipid.

Conclusion

Glycerol 3-phosphate, phosphatidate, and diacylglycerol act as a precursor for the formation of triacylglycerol and phospholipid.