cerebroside

1 9.9

A fat molecule with sugar found in the covering around nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord

noun
/ˈsɛrəˌbroʊsaɪd/

Specialized

: cerebrosido

Cerebrosides are important components of the cerebroside structure that insulate nerve cells in the brain.

Examples

Myelin contains large amounts of cerebroside, which helps insulate nerve fibers.
Scientists have identified a new type of cerebroside in the human brain.
Certain genetic disorders can affect the breakdown of cerebrosides in the body.
The cerebroside is essential for nerve function.
Many cerebrosides are found in the brain.
In the study of biochemistry, cerebrosides play a crucial role in cell signaling and neural protection.
Researchers found that cerebrosides contribute to the overall health of neurons by maintaining their structure.

Synonyms

glycolipid

vscerebroside

Specialized

1 6.8

A molecule made of a sugar and a fat found in cell membranes

is a specific type found in nerve myelin that contains glucose or galactose

Surface Forms

cerebroside singular

cerebrosides plural

Morphology

cerebroside = cerebro + side

The word 'cerebroside' is a specialized scientific term, and its components 'cerebro' and 'side' do not transparently convey the meaning to an average learner without specific biochemical knowledge.

Etymology

Cerebroside starts with cerebr- from Latin cerebrum 'brain', the same root as cerebral. The ending -side is used in chemistry for fat-like molecules, so a cerebroside is a sugar-containing fat found in the brain, for example in the myelin that helps insulate nerve cells.