Gangliosides
Gangliosides
Gangliosides (pronounced: gang-lee-oh-sides) are a type of glycosphingolipid that contain sialic acid. They are found predominantly in the cell membrane of neuronal cells, where they play a crucial role in various cellular processes.
Etymology
The term "ganglioside" was first coined in the mid-20th century. It is derived from the Greek words "ganglion" (meaning a mass of nerve tissue) and "side" (meaning like), referring to the molecule's presence in nerve tissue and its similarity to other lipids.
Structure and Function
Gangliosides are composed of a lipid (fat) portion and a carbohydrate portion. The lipid portion, known as ceramide, is embedded in the cell membrane, while the carbohydrate portion extends into the extracellular space. This carbohydrate portion contains one or more sialic acid residues, which give gangliosides their negative charge.
Gangliosides play a key role in cell-to-cell communication, cell adhesion, and cell growth regulation. They are also involved in the modulation of signal transduction pathways and the regulation of apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Related Terms
- Glycosphingolipid: A type of lipid that includes a carbohydrate and a sphingolipid.
- Sialic acid: A type of sugar acid found in gangliosides.
- Ceramide: A type of lipid that forms the backbone of gangliosides.
- Signal transduction: The process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus into another.
- Apoptosis: The process of programmed cell death.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gangliosides
- Wikipedia's article - Gangliosides
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