1-O-Palmityl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine (CAS 85405-05-6)

1-O-Palmityl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine is a synthetic phospholipid analog extensively utilized in biophysical and biochemical research to explore the structural and dynamic properties of lipid membranes. This chemical is particularly distinguished by its modified glycerol backbone where one of the hydroxyl groups is esterified with a palmitic acid and another is linked to a methyl group, resulting in altered physical properties compared to naturally occurring phospholipids. The inclusion of the methyl group at the second position introduces a unique steric hindrance that influences the packing and fluidity of lipid bilayers. Researchers leverage this molecule to study how such modifications affect lipid-lipid interactions, membrane asymmetry, and the overall stability of lipid bilayers. Its application is pivotal in the examination of lipid rafts, microdomains within the plasma membrane, which are critical for various biological processes including signal transduction and protein sorting. By incorporating 1-O-Palmityl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine into model membranes, scientists can simulate and scrutinize changes in membrane curvature, phase behavior, and permeability, which are essential for understanding the fundamental mechanisms governing membrane-associated phenomena without the complexity of living systems. This synthetic phospholipid thus serves as a valuable tool in the realm of membrane biophysics, providing insights that extend beyond the scope of what can be observed in natural settings.