PhospholipidPhospholipids are a class of lipids whose molecule has a hydrophilic "head" containing a phosphate group and two hydrophobic "tails" derived from fatty acids, joined by an alcohol residue (usually a glycerol molecule). Marine phospholipids typically have omega-3 fatty acidsEPA and DHA integrated as part of the phospholipid molecule. The phosphate group can be modified with simple organic molecules such as choline, ethanolamine or serine.
Choline chlorideCholine chloride is an organic compound with the formula [(CH3)3NCH2CH2OH]Cl. It is a quaternary ammonium salt, consisting of cholinecations ([(CH3)3NCH2CH2OH]) and chlorideanions (Cl). It is a bifunctional compound, meaning, it contains both a quaternary ammoniumfunctional group and a hydroxyl functional group. The cation of this salt, choline, occurs in nature in living beings.
AcetylcholineAcetylcholine (ACh) is an organic compound that functions in the brain and body of many types of animals (including humans) as a neurotransmitter. Its name is derived from its chemical structure: it is an ester of acetic acid and choline. Parts in the body that use or are affected by acetylcholine are referred to as cholinergic. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter used at the neuromuscular junction.
Dietary supplementProduct providing additional nutrientsAs a pill (iodine)As a capsule (spirulina)As a tablet (B vitamins)As a softgel capsule (cod liver oil)Production of cod liver oil, one of the first dietary supplements manufactured in the 18th centuryA dietary supplement is a manufactured product intended to supplement a person's diet in the form of a pill, capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid.
Cell membraneThe cell membrane (also known as the plasma membrane or cytoplasmic membrane, and historically referred to as the plasmalemma) is a semipermeablebiological membrane that separates and protects the interior of a cell from the outside environment (the extracellular space).
LiverThe liver is a major metabolicorgan exclusively found in vertebrates which performs many essential biological functions, such as detoxification of the organism and the synthesis of various proteins and various other biochemicals necessary for digestion and growth. In humans, it is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, below the diaphragm and mostly shielded by the lower right rib cage.
Choline bitartrateCholine bitartrate is an organic compound with the chemical formula [(CH3)3NCH2CH2OH]+HOOC−CH(OH)−CH(OH)−COO−. It is a white crystalline powder with an acid taste. It is hygroscopic when exposed to air. Modern texts refer to the choline salt of the natural form of tartaric acid, that is, the salt called choline dextrobitartrate, choline (2R,3R)-bitartrate or choline L-(+)-bitartrate.
NeurotransmitterA neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse. The cell receiving the signal, or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell. Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles into the synaptic cleft where they are able to interact with neurotransmitter receptors on the target cell. Some neurotransmitters are also stored in large dense core vesicles.
Salt (chemistry)In chemistry, a salt or ionic compound is a chemical compound consisting of an assembly of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions), which results in a compound with no net electric charge. The constituent ions are held together by electrostatic forces termed ionic bonds. The component ions in a salt can be either inorganic, such as chloride (Cl), or organic, such as acetate (CH3COO).Chemical formulaA chemical formula is any of several kinds of notation for expressing the composition and structure of a chemical compound. Chemical formulas use element symbols for the atoms of each chemical element in a compound. There are several conventional types of chemical formula that present different levels of detail.
Gene expressionConversion of a gene's sequence into a mature gene product or productsFlowchart of gene expression.Gene expression is the process by which the information contained within a gene is used to produce a functional gene product, such as a protein or a functional RNA molecule. This process involves multiple steps, including the transcription of the gene's sequence into RNA.NutrientA nutrient is a substance used by an organism to survive, grow and reproduce. The requirement for dietary nutrient intake applies to animals, plants, fungi and protists. Nutrients can be incorporated into cells for metabolic purposes or excreted by cells to create non-cellular structures such as hair, scales, feathers, or exoskeletons.
Signaling peptide receptorSignaling peptide receptor is a type of receptor which binds one or more signaling peptides or signaling proteins. An example is the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), which is bound and activated by the neurotrophicproteinbrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Another example is the μ-opioid receptor (MOR), which is bound and activated by the opioidpeptide hormoneβ-endorphin.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.