Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
SPHINGOMYELIN SM
CH3
O
H2
C
H2
C
N
+
CH3
O
--
O
P
CH3
O
2HC
O
NH
HO
C
FIGURE 5.21
Structure of sphingomyelin (SM).
The specific function of only a few sphingolipids is known. Carbohydrates of some sphin-
golipids define human blood groups and determine blood type. Gangliosides are found on
the outer surface of the plasma membrane where they present points of recognition for extra-
cellular molecules or surfaces of neighboring cells. The absence of specific sphingolipid
degrading enzymes are known to be the cause of a number of deadly, incurable genetic lyso-
somal storage diseases including Tay-Sach's Disease, Gaucher's Disease and Niemann-Pick
Disease. Some of these diseases are discussed later in Chapter 7.
