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Select lipids containing a phosphorous atom from the following list.

1. ceramide
2. sphingosine
3. sphingomyelin
4. diacylglycerol
5. ganglioside
6. phosphatidyl serine
7. cholesterol
8. triacylglycerol

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The lipids from the list that contain a phosphorous atom are sphingomyelin (3), ganglioside (5), and phosphatidylserine (6). These are examples of sphingophospholipids and phosphoglycerides, which are important components of cellular structures and cell membranes.

Step-by-step explanation:

To answer the question of which lipids contain a phosphorous atom, we need to understand the structure and classification of lipids that incorporate phosphorous. These lipids are predominantly phospholipids and sphingolipids. Phospholipids are categorized by their glycerol backbone attached to two fatty acids and one phosphate group, which can be further modified by different alcohol groups. Sphingolipids, on the other hand, involve a sphingoid base like sphingosine. Both types of lipids can play vital roles in cellular structures, particularly in cell membranes.

Based on the information provided and the understanding of lipid structures, the lipids in the list that contain a phosphorous atom are sphingomyelin (3), ganglioside (5), and phosphatidylserine (6). Sphingomyelin is a type of sphingophospholipid with a phosphoric acid group and therefore possesses a phosphorous atom.

Similarly, gangliosides are complex sphingolipids that include oligosaccharides with one or more sialic acids and phosphorus-containing groups. Lastly, phosphatidylserine is a phosphoglyceride, a class of phospholipids comprising phosphoric acid, and thus it also contains phosphorous.

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