Question

Phospholipase A2 is an enzyme that cleaves the ester linkage on C-2 of glycerol of phospholipids. It has a variety of purposes in the cell, many of which are outlined in your book. Additionally, the venoms of several dangerous creatures also contain enzymes with phospholipase A2 activity. The eastern diamondback rattler and Indian cobra, for instance, kill more than 10% of their human victims. The breakdown product of phospholipids is termed "lysolecithin." First, draw the product of this enzyme reaction if the phospholipid contained phosphatidylcholine with 18:0 and 18:1 (Delta^9) fatty acids. What properties of lysolecithin make it so lethal?

(Only answer 'B'). The more specific you are, the better!

Answer 1

Lysolecithins result from partial hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholines which activate endothelial cells during early atherosclerosis and stimulate phagocyte recruitment when released by apoptotic cells. They have been observed to cause demyelination of brain slices in lab . They are known to stimulate phagocytosis of myelin sheath and it can also change the surface properties of erythrocytes. All in all , it is lethal to human in high doses.