Hydrolysis of Phospholipids: Understanding the Process

What are the products of the hydrolysis of phospholipids?

a) glycerol, phosphoric acid and fatty acids

b) glycerol, phosphoric acid and nitrogen base

c) glycerol and fatty acids

d) acetyl Co A

Answer:

The hydrolysis of phospholipids yields glycerol, phosphoric acid, and fatty acids.

Phospholipids are important molecules found in cell membranes. When phospholipids undergo hydrolysis, they break down into glycerol, phosphoric acid, and fatty acids.

Structurally, phospholipids consist of a glycerol backbone attached to two fatty acids and one phosphoric acid molecule. The phosphoric acid can be linked to another molecule such as choline.

During the hydrolysis process, when water interacts with phospholipids, the ester bonds are broken. This results in the separation of glycerol, fatty acids, and the phosphate group (phosphoric acid).

Therefore, the correct answer is option (a) - glycerol, phosphoric acid, and fatty acids, as these are the primary products obtained from the hydrolysis of phospholipids.