What is a Sphingolipid?
A sphingolipid is a fat-soluble molecule that is derived from an amino alcohol with an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain. The fat-soluble molecule is a lipid specifically made from the 18-carbon sphingosine and is a major component in cell membranes. The amino alcohol itself is considered aliphatic, which means it forms a stable ring shape known as an aromatic. The sphingolipid is considered to be a ceramide, meaning it is a combination of sphingosine and a fatty acid linked together. Various types of sphingolipids can be created within cells, each performing a specific function. Sphingomyelin is located in the cell membrane of the myelin sheath on neurons. Glycosphingolipids are found in the cell membrane of muscle tissue. Gangliosides are a sphingolipid linked with a sugar chain such as sialic acid and found in the plasma membrane of a cell. The main function of a sphingolipid is to protect the surface of a cell from various factors that may cause harm. They form a stable and resistant o
