Glycerophospholipids

Glycerophospholipids are defined as phosphatidyl esters attached to the terminal carbon of glycerol in the triglyceride structure. Glycerophospholipids are the most abundant phospholipids, which form essential structural components of cellular or vesicle membranes. This chapter defines the mechanisms and regulations of glycerophospholipid synthesis, such as phosphatidic acids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol, and the roles of glycerophospholipids in fungi and yeast lipid metabolism. Some essential enzymes that catalyze the degradation of phospholipids were also discussed, such as phospholipase C, phospholipase D and phospholipase B.