Which class of sphingolipids is characterized by the presence of one or more molecules of N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) attached to an oligosaccharide chain?
- A Gangliosides ✓
- B Cerebrosides
- C Sulfatides
- D Sphingomyelins
Correct answer: A. Gangliosides
Explanation
Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids whose oligosaccharide head group carries negatively charged N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) residues; GM2 accumulation defines Tay-Sachs disease. Sulfatides carry sulfate esters instead of sialic acid, cerebrosides contain only a single monosaccharide, and sphingomyelin carries phosphocholine rather than any sugar. This kills the best distractor, sulfatide, since both are acidic glycosphingolipids but differ in the charged group attached.
Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 31st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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