Answer Happy

The venoms of the Eastern diamondback rattler and the Indian cobra contain phospholipase A2, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of fatty acids at the C-2 position of glycerophospholipids. The phospholipid breakdown product of this reaction is lysolecithin, which is derived from phosphatidylcholine. At high concentrations, this and other lysophospholipids act as detergents, dissolving the membranes of erythrocytes and lysing the cells. Extensive hemolysis may be life-threatening. All detergents are amphipathic. Complete the passage about the hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions of lysolecithin. The fatty acid on C-2 and the on C-3 are hydrophilic. The on C-1 is hydrophobic.