Meaning & use
sphingolipids
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A class of lipids containing a sphingosine backbone, found especially in cell membranes and nerve tissue.
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Sphingolipids play a key role in maintaining the structure of the cell membrane.
Certain genetic disorders are caused by the body's inability to properly break down sphingolipids.
A note on using this word
Important in cell signaling and nerve cell membranes; the name comes from 'sphinx,' reflecting how mysterious their function seemed when first discovered.
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