sphingolipids -

[ArchivalUser]

xyz

guys i''d be really greatful if someone can give me in a nut shell what sphingolipids are, whats their function and so forth.
pls help

[ArchivalUser]

xuffgr

Sphingolipids are a derivitive of a sphingosine. They are important in membranes of nerve tissue. Interestingly enough, many snake venoms break down this compound...that is why they are neurotoxic. Think of the sphingomyelin as an insulator of neuronal fibers. For the USMLE purposes, sphingolipids are important when they are not properly degraded. Generally, the enzymes that breakdown this tissue are stored in the lysosomes the liver and spleen. That is why these organs are affected with diseases like Niemann-Pick. (a deficency in sphingomyelinase.) Hope this helps.

[ArchivalUser]

xyz

thanx for the broader perspective