Question 1

Which of the following best describes the structure of sphingosine?

Accepted Answer

An unsaturated 18-carbon amino alcohol with a trans double bond

Question 2

Sphingolipids differ from glycerophospholipids in that sphingolipids:

Accepted Answer

Contain a sphingosine backbone

Question 3

Which of the following is a component found in all sphingolipids?

Accepted Answer

A sphingosine backbone

Question 4

What is the primary difference between a sphingophospholipid and a glycosphingolipid?

Accepted Answer

Sphingophospholipids contain a phosphate group, while glycosphingolipids contain a carbohydrate group.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about sphingolipids is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They all are phospholipids.

Question 6

A mutation prevents the addition of a fatty acid to the sphingosine backbone. Which molecule cannot be formed?

Accepted Answer

Ceramide

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the linkage between the fatty acid and sphingosine in ceramide?

Accepted Answer

Amide linkage

Question 8

A patient has a genetic defect that prevents the formation of glycosidic bonds in sphingolipids. Which class of sphingolipids will be most affected?

Accepted Answer

Glycosphingolipids

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a function of sphingolipids in biological membranes?

Accepted Answer

Energy storage

Question 10

Which of the following correctly matches the sphingolipid with its polar head group?

Accepted Answer

Sphingomyelin: phosphate

Question 11

Which of the following reactions represents the formation of ceramide from sphingosine?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Sphingosine + Fatty\ Acid \xrightarrow{Acylation} Ceramide + H_2O}$$

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why sphingolipids are important in nerve cell membranes?

Accepted Answer

They provide insulation and participate in signal transduction.

Question 13

Which of the following is a direct precursor to sphingomyelin?

Accepted Answer

Ceramide

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the polar head group of a ganglioside?

Accepted Answer

A complex oligosaccharide

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding the biosynthesis of sphingolipids?

Accepted Answer

Sphingosine is synthesized from palmitoyl-CoA and serine.

Sphingolipids: Structure, Function, and Key Features

Study Guide - Practice Questions