Cerebroside
Cerebroside
Cerebroside (/sɪˈriːbrəsaɪd/) is a type of glycolipid that is abundant in the cell membrane of nerve tissues. The term "cerebroside" is derived from the Latin word "cerebrum" meaning brain and the English word "side" derived from the Greek word "σίδηρος" (sideros) meaning iron, indicating its discovery in the brain.
Structure
Cerebrosides are composed of a ceramide backbone attached to a single sugar molecule, either glucose or galactose. The ceramide portion consists of a sphingosine base and a fatty acid.
Function
Cerebrosides play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the cell membrane and are involved in a number of biological processes including cell recognition and signaling. They are also important components of myelin sheath, a protective layer that surrounds the axon of some types of neurons, facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cerebroside
- Wikipedia's article - Cerebroside
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