The venom of the eastern diamondback rattler and the indian cobra contains 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 (lecithin is phosphatidylcholine). at high concentrations, lysophospholipids act as detergents, dissolving the membranes of erythrocytes and lysing the cells. extensive hemolysis may be life-threatening.

(a) draw the lysolecithin that results when a phosphatidylcholine molecule is exposed to phospholipase a2. represent any acyl groups as \"r.\" assume physiological ph.
in addition to hemolysis, phospholipase a2 envenomation causes inflammation and pain. what is one mechanism?
1. the venom inhibits the synthesis of leukotrienes, which cause swelling.
2. phospholipase can release an eicosanoid precursor present at c-2 in some lecithins.
3. phospholipases cause the release of prednisone, an antiinflammatory steroid.
4. the enzyme inhibits the breakdown of lysolecithin, which elicits an immune response.
lysolecithin is found in the body naturally as a result of normal metabolic processes. which of the following is a mechanism by which the body can catabolize lysolecithin?
1. prostaglandin h2 synthase converts lysolecithin to thromboxane.
2. an enzyme adds an acetyl group to c-1, converting lysolecithin to a signaling molecule.
3. lysophospholipase removes the fatty acid at c-1
4. the choline group is removed, causing lysolecithin to be ejected from the membrane.