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A phospholipase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes phospholipids into fatty acids and other lipophilic substances. Acids trigger the release of bound calcium from cellular stores and the consequent increase in free cytosolic Ca2+, an essential step in calcium signaling to regulate intracellular processes. There are four major classes, termed A, B, C, and D, which are distinguished by the type of reaction which they catalyze: Phospholipase A Phospholipase A1 – cleaves the sn-1 acyl chain (where sn refers to stereospecific numbering). Phospholipase A2 – cleaves the sn-2 acyl chain, releasing arachidonic acid. Phospholipase B – cleaves both sn-1 and sn-2 acyl chains; this enzyme is also known as a lysophospholipase. Phospholipase C – cleaves before the phosphate, releasing diacylglycerol and a phosphate-containing head group. PLCs play a central role in signal transduction, releasing the second messenger inositol triphosphate. Phospholipase D – cleaves after the phosphate, releasing phosphatidic acid and an alcohol. Types C and D are considered phosphodiesterases. Endothelial lipase is primarily a phospholipase. Phospholipase A2 acts on the intact lecithin molecule and hydrolyzes the fatty acid esterified to the second carbon atom. The resulting products are lysolecithin and a fatty acid. Phospholipase A2 is an enzyme present in the venom of bees, blennies and viper snakes.

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Related concepts (7)

Signal transduction

Signal transduction is the process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events. Most commonly, protein phosphorylation is catalyzed by protein kinases, ultimately resulting in a cellular response. Proteins responsible for detecting stimuli are generally termed receptors, although in some cases the term sensor is used. The changes elicited by ligand binding (or signal sensing) in a receptor give rise to a biochemical cascade, which is a chain of biochemical events known as a signaling pathway.

Phospholipase

Phospholipase C

Phospholipase C (PLC) is a class of membrane-associated enzymes that cleave phospholipids just before the phosphate group (see figure). It is most commonly taken to be synonymous with the human forms of this enzyme, which play an important role in eukaryotic cell physiology, in particular signal transduction pathways. Phospholipase C's role in signal transduction is its cleavage of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into diacyl glycerol (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which serve as second messengers.

Related lectures (6)

Signal transduction

Phospholipase

Phospholipase C

Membrane Binding Domains: PIP Signaling Pathway CH-411: Cellular signalling

Explores the role of membrane binding domains in the PIP signaling pathway and the recognition of PIPx species by specific domains.

Cellular Communication: Signaling Pathways and Receptors

Delves into the importance of intercellular communication and the diverse signaling pathways involved in cellular responses.

Inclusion of Fermented Foods in Food Guides ENG-436: Food biotechnology

Discusses the inclusion of fermented foods in global food guides, exploring their benefits and risks, enzyme kinetics, and the history of food enzymes.