Glycolipids can be considered part of a larger family known as glycolconjugates. These are molecules in the cell surface that chains of carbohydrates bind to. It was established as the major brain tissue as early as 1874.
There are over 100 different types of glycolipid structure, reflecting variations in the fatty acyl chains of the hydrophobic ceramide portion (N-acylsphingosine) and the different combinations and types of sugar residue in the hydrophilic carbohydrate portion.
As the name suggest, the basic structure of a glycolipid consists of carbohydrate attached to a lipid.
The simplest glycolipid is called cerebrosides and contains galactose, i.e., O-galactosyl ceramide.
A more highly complex glycolipid containing ceramide polyhexosides and one or more sialic acid groups are called gangliosides.
As integral membrane components, glycolipids regulate cell membrane structural integrity, cell adhesion and signal transduction.
In neural tissue, glycolipids bind to adhesion molecule glycoproteins in myelin compaction.
In the area of consumer products, glycolipids are used as a main ingredient in detergents for the kitchens and emulsifiers of foods and cosmetic’s.
In biochemical research, glycolipids are key compounds for dissolving and crystallizing membrane proteins.
Classification of lipids: Glycolipids