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Breathing01:05

Breathing

The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
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Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism

Lipids also are sources of energy that power cellular processes. Like carbohydrates, lipids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but these atoms are arranged differently. Most lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic. Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids.
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The ER synthesizes lipids for building cell membranes and performing cellular functions such as energy storage and signaling. The lipid synthesis machinery embedded in the ER membrane primarily collects all reactants from the cytosol. Following synthesis, the secretory pathway and the ER contact sites distribute these lipids to other cellular organelles. Additionally, the energy-rich triacylglycerides are transported from the ER via lipid droplets.
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Micelle formation is an intricate process that hinges on the properties of amphiphilic or amphipathic molecules and the conditions of the system in which they are found. Amphiphilic molecules, which have both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts, play a critical role in this process.In aqueous environments, these molecules arrange themselves such that their hydrophilic heads are turned towards the water phase, while their hydrophobic tails are oriented away...
Surface Active Agents01:27

Surface Active Agents

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Defining Substrate Specificities for Lipase and Phospholipase Candidates
08:59

Defining Substrate Specificities for Lipase and Phospholipase Candidates

Published on: November 23, 2016

Surfactant phospholipid metabolism.

Marianna Agassandian1, Rama K Mallampalli

  • 1Department of Medicine, Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|October 3, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Pulmonary surfactant prevents lung collapse and involves complex lipid metabolism. Further research is needed on minor surfactant lipid components for a complete understanding.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary physiology
  • Lipid metabolism
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Pulmonary surfactant is a vital lipoprotein mixture lining the lungs.
  • It prevents alveolar collapse during expiration.
  • Surfactant composition relies on integrated biosynthesis, remodeling, degradation, and trafficking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular composition and metabolism of pulmonary surfactant.
  • To highlight the focus on major phospholipids like disaturated phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol.
  • To emphasize the need for research into minor surfactant lipid components.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on pulmonary surfactant.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on phospholipid metabolism within the lung.

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  • Identification of research gaps concerning minor lipid components.

    • Main Results:

    • Pulmonary surfactant is crucial for respiration, preventing alveolar collapse.
    • Research has predominantly focused on disaturated phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol.
    • The physiological roles of minor surfactant lipid components remain underexplored.

    Conclusions:

    • Understanding the intricate metabolism of pulmonary surfactant is essential.
    • Further investigation into minor lipid components is necessary for a comprehensive view of surfactant function.
    • This knowledge is critical for advancing pulmonary research and potential therapies.