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What Is Phosphatidyl Glycerol?

Phosphatidyl glycerol, often written as phsophatidylglycerol, is a type of lipid. Lipids are natural fatty acids that have various biological roles in cell membranes. Phosphatidyl glycerol is found in the cell membranes of most bacteria and in certain parts of plants and animals.

  1. In Bacteria

    • Phosphatidyl glycerol is found in the cell membranes of nearly all bacteria in fairly large quantities. For example, in e-coli, which can cause food poisoning, it makes up 20% of the membranes. Its use is debated among scientists as some believe that DNA cannot be replicated effectively without phosphatidyl glycerol. Other scientists believe it is dispensable and that other substances can do the same job.

    In Plants

    • In plants, phosphatidyl glycerol is found in all cell membranes, but is found in highest quantities in the cells which surround the chloroplast. The chloroplasts are where photosynthesis occurs, which allows the plant to grow. So while there is scientific debate over the absolute necessity of phosphatidyl glycerol, a minimum level of the substance appears to be needed for a plant to grow properly.

    In Animals

    • Small amounts of phosphatidyl glycerol are found in most animal tissues, but it is most abundant in the surfactant, or liquid, that coats the lungs to prevent them from sticking together and stopping air from getting in. The exact function is unknown, but it is believed that it may help to spread the main component of lung surfactant. However, it is well established that the concentration of phosphatidyl glycerol increases during the development of a fetus.

    Function

    • Premature babies are at risk of respiratory distress syndrome due to a lack of surfactant in their lungs. A phosphatidyl glycerol test, or PG test, can measure the levels of the substance in the amniotic fluid and test the maturity of an unborn baby's lungs. This is carried out between weeks 34 and 38 of a pregnancy and can be used to determine the appropriate course of action if the baby is at risk of being born prematurely.

    Warning

    • The PG test is administered via an amniocentesis that carries slight risks. There is a chance it can induce labor when carried out near term, as in the case of a PG test. This is clearly undesirable if the lungs of the baby have not matured. Therefore, the test is only carried out if there is a risk the baby will be born before the lungs have had a chance to mature.

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