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Phosphatidylcholine: meaning, definitions and examples

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phosphatidylcholine

 

[ fɒsfəˌtaɪdəlˈkoʊliːn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biochemistry term

Phosphatidylcholine is a class of phospholipids that are a major component of biological membranes. They are composed of two fatty acid chains, a glycerol backbone, a phosphate group, and a choline head group, making them essential for cell structure and function. It is involved in various physiological functions, including membrane integrity, cell signaling, and lipid transport.

Synonyms

PC, lecithin, phospholipid

Examples of usage

  • Phosphatidylcholine is vital for maintaining cell membrane structure.
  • In the liver, phosphatidylcholine plays a role in lipid metabolism.
  • Dietary sources of phosphatidylcholine include eggs and soybeans.
  • Supplements containing phosphatidylcholine are marketed for liver health.

Translations

Translations of the word "phosphatidylcholine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fosfatidilcolina

🇮🇳 फॉस्फाटिडाइलकोलाइन

🇩🇪 Phosphatidylcholin

🇮🇩 fosfatidilkolin

🇺🇦 фосфатидилхолін

🇵🇱 fosfatydylocholina

🇯🇵 ホスファチジルコリン

🇫🇷 phosphatidylcholine

🇪🇸 fosfatidilcolina

🇹🇷 fosfatidilkolin

🇰🇷 포스파티딜콜린

🇸🇦 فوسفاتيديل كولين

🇨🇿 fosfatidylcholin

🇸🇰 fosfatidylcholín

🇨🇳 磷脂酰胆碱

🇸🇮 fosfatidilholin

🇮🇸 fosfatídílkólín

🇰🇿 фосфатидилхолин

🇬🇪 ფოსფატიდილქოლინი

🇦🇿 fosfatidilkolin

🇲🇽 fosfatidilcolina

Etymology

The term phosphatidylcholine originates from the combination of several Greek and Latin roots referring to its chemical structure. The 'phosphatid-' part derives from 'phosphor', indicating the presence of a phosphate group. The 'choline' part refers to the choline head group that is integral in its structure. Phosphatidylcholine was first identified in the early 20th century as a component of egg yolk and soybeans, where it was termed lecithin. Over time, research has highlighted its importance in molecular biology and human nutrition as an essential nutrient for the synthesis of membranes and neurotransmitters. Phosphatidylcholine has since been recognized for its potential health benefits and its role in cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and liver metabolism.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,341 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.