Question

Which of the following is a phospholipid?

• A. Lecithin
• B. Arachidonic acid
• C. Ergosterol
• D. Cerebroside

Hint:

Lecithin is an important phospholipid commonly used in food products and as a supplement. It is composed of glycerol, fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Phospholipids are a class of lipids that are a major component of all cell membranes. They consist of two fatty acid tails (hydrophobic) and a phosphate group (hydrophilic) attached to a glycerol backbone. Lecithin is a type of phospholipid found in plant and animal tissues. It is commonly used in food products and as a supplement.
Lecithin is composed of choline, which is a part of the phosphate group, making it a typical phospholipid. Phospholipids like lecithin are vital in forming the lipid bilayer in biological membranes, which forms a barrier and provides structural integrity to cells.
The other options listed:
- Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid.
- Ergosterol is a sterol, found in fungal cell membranes.
- Cerebroside is a type of glycolipid, which consists of a sugar and a lipid but lacks a phosphate group, making it not a phospholipid.
Therefore, Lecithin is the correct answer.