Question

Question: Where are membrane lipids synthesized?

Short answer

The synthesis of the membrane lipids takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, from where they are transported to their destination.

Step-by-step solution

Membrane lipids

The membrane lipids are amphipathic molecules with dual tails. These lipids contain either 1, 2-diacylglycerol, or N-acylsphingosinelinked to a polar head group which can be either a phosphate ester or a carbohydrate. The N-acylsphingosine is also known as ceramide.

 Step 2: Synthesis of membrane lipids

The membrane lipids are synthesized in the membranes. They are mostly synthesized on the cytosolic faceof the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. After synthesizing the membrane lipids, they are transported to their destination through vesicular transport.