What is sphingolipid?
Sphingolipid is a fat -soluble molecule that is derived from amino alcohol with unsaturated hydrocarbon chains. The soluble fat molecule is a lipid specially made of 18-carbon spivingosin and is the main component of cell membranes. Amino alcohol itself is considered alifatical, which means that they form a stable shape of the ring known as aromatic. Different types of sphinolipids can be created in the cells, each performing a specific function. Sphinx is located in the cell membrane of the myelin cloak on the neurons. Glycosphingolipids are found in the cell membrane of muscle tissue. Gangliosides are sphinolipid associated with sugar chain, such as sialic acid and found in the plasma cell membrane. They create a stable resistant external shell that reacts mechanically and chemically to outer materials. Depending on the cell, sphinolipide is a primary process of cell recognition and signaling. This occurs when other lipids or proteins are present in neighboring cells.
The formation of sphinolipids begins in an endoplasmic reticulum and completed for connection with the Golgi apparatus. During the course they are modified by plasma membranes and endosomes. Cytosol eventually transports sphinolipids to the cell membrane. According to scientists, it is an interesting fact about sphinolipids that the mitochondria is completely missing.
The main research conducted on the sphinolipid is carried out on yeast. The reason is the small size of the organism and the accessible approach to its cell base. In addition, yeast cells such as Saccharomyces Cerevisiaestited for a mammal cell in the laboratory. This gives scientists the ability to perform both fatal and immortal experiments on a cell with a small or no impact on humans or other animals.
In the human body, various disorders may occur due to deficiency or excessive amounts of sphinolipids. These disorders are known as sphinolipidosis and can represent very muchharmful neurological consequences. The most common of these disorders is known as Gauchher's disease. When Gauchher's disease is present, oily materials are joined in internal organs, brain and bones. Another prominent disorder is Fabry's disease that causes fatigue and kidney failure. This usually occurs only in men.