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Definition

noun

The acid form of phosphotidate consisting of a glycerol with a saturated fatty acid attached to carbon-1, an unsaturated fatty acid attached to carbon-2, and a phosphate group attached to carbon-3.

Supplement

It is the smallest form of the phospholipids. Its major biological function is to serve as a precursor of triacylglycerols and some phospholipids, to promote membrane curvature, and to act as a signaling lipid (i.e. recruiting cytosolic proteins to appropriate membranes).

Abbreviation: PA

See also: phosphatide.