| >> Glycosphingolipids |
The inscrutable sphinx provided the inspiration for the name of this class of glycoconjugates, the Glycosphingolipids.
Glycosphingolipids are present in the plasma membranes of all eukaryotic cells, most often localized at the outer leaflet
of the membrane, with their hydrophilic sugar chain protruding on the surface.
|
Glycosphingolipids consist of one or more monosaccharides linked glycosidically to the terminal primary hydroxyl
of the fatty acid ceramide (N-acylsphingosine). Glycosphingo lipids are derived from glucosylceramide or galactosylceramide
through glycosylation by polypeptide glycosyltransferases.
|
| Sphingolipid Biosynthesis |
|
click a highlighted area for further information
chart adapted from: Platt & Butters Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, (00)00149-6a.pdf
|
