Question

Explain step by step how a triglyceride would become a phospholipid bilayer. Describe what bonds must be broken or formed (such as ester bonds) and what molecules are consumed or created (such as H2O) and what types of reactions these occur under (such as concentration reactions).

Hint: Remember that a phospholipid bilayer must contain both phosphate and a polar head! Dont forget to mention what type of bond connects your phosphate to the glycerol, etc, etc!)

Answer 1

• In the triglycerides formation , first the hydroxyl group in the glycerol 3 phosphate are acylated to form diacyl glycerol 3 phosphate or phosphatidic acid.
• Phosphatidic acid is hydrolysed to form diacyl glycerol which is then esterified to form triacyl glycerol.
• Phospholipids are formed from phophotidic acid by esterfication of phosphate gropp by alcohol like serine , ethanolamine , choline .
• The hydroxyl group forms ester with phosphoric acid . Through this phospho diester bond polar head group is attached .