Which of the following phospholipid is predominantly found in the inner mitochondrial membrane?: (A) Cardiolipin, (B) Cephalin, (C) Lecithin, (D) Sphingomyelin
Answer is A. Cardiolipin: Diphosphatidyl glycerol i.e. 2 phosphatidic acid moieties attached to glycerol. Found in inner mitochondrial membrane. Physiological role: Increases the efficiency of the oxidative phosphorylation by acting as proton trap. Involved in signalling of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Anticoagulant Pathological role: Bah syndrome - defective biosynthesis of Cardiolipin. Antiphospholipid syndrome thrombotic condition leading to aboion. Anti-cardiolipin antibodies are found.