What is the Difference Between Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidylcholine

The main difference between phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine is that phosphatidylserine is found more concentrated in the brain, whereas phosphatidylcholine is found abundantly in cellular membranes and mitochondrial membranes.

Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine are phospholipids, fatty acids with a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic double tail. These phospholipids are compound lipids consisting of phosphoric acids, nitrogenous bases, alcohol, and fatty acids. Moreover, there are several types of phospholipids, each with a variety of functions.

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Phosphatidylserine 
     – Definition, Features, Conversion 
2. What is Phosphatidylcholine
     – Definition, Features, Conversion 
3. Similarities Between Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidylcholine
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidylcholine
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Phosphatidylserine, Phosphatidylcholine

What is Phosphatydylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a type of phospholipid, which is a class of lipids that make up cell membranes. The molar mass of the compound is 385.304 g/mol. It has a molecular formula of C₁₃H₂₄NO₁₀P. The phosphatidylserine covers the cells in the brain and is a part of the cell structure of the body. It also protects the brain and carries messages between them. Another function of phosphatidylserine is helping in blood clotting.

Phosphatidylserine is produced in the body. Sometimes, it also exists naturally in foods. However, most of the phosphatidylserine comes from food. Some people also take it as a supplement. In the past, phosphatidylserine supplements were made from cow brains, but now they are made from soy or cabbage.

Phosphatidylserine helps to cure a variety of disease conditions. It mainly helps to improve memory by preventing memory loss and mental decline that occurs with older age. It acts as a booster of memory power. Studies show that this supplement can increase short-term memory, mood, thinking skills, and concentration. Phosphatidylserine is also useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depression, and stress. Having a healthy sleep is another result of the intake of phosphatidylserine.

Phosphatidylserine may also help decrease muscle soreness and protect against an increase in levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that often occurs as a result of overtraining. In addition, it helps to increase the capacity for exercising and improve athletic performance. Studies show that phosphatidylserine, in combination with omega-3 fatty acids, has an effect in treating ADHD disease in children. It has been observed that hyperactivity and impulsive behavior have been reduced after the intake of the mentioned combination of compounds. Furthermore, phosphatidylserine has some side effects, including insomnia, stomach upset, and intestinal gas.

What is Phosphatidylcholine

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a class of phospholipids that incorporate choline as a head group. It has a molecular formula of C₁₀H₂₁NO₈P+ and a molar mass of 314.25g/mol. Phospholipids contain fatty acids, glycerol, and phosphorous. The phosphorous part of the phospholipid lecithin consists of phosphatidylcholine. This chemical compound is mostly present in sunflowers, eggs, mustards, and soybeans. It is also present naturally in the body in all cells. Phosphatidylcholine is the source of choline in the body. Moreover, the body uses this chemical to make the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Therefore, it is used for treating manic depressive disorders, tardive dyskinesia, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Phosphatidylcholine is also helpful in treating conditions like eczema, gallbladder disease, and circulation problems, boosting the immune system, improving the effectiveness of kidney dialysis, hepatitis, high cholesterol, premenstrual syndrome, and preventing aging. Sometimes phosphatidylcholine is also helpful in the treatment of liver disease, fatty plaque deposits in arteries, chest pain, and fat globules in the blood.

Similarities Between Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidylcholine

• Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine are phospholipids.
• They are components of the cell membrane. Hence, both have a hydrophobic double tail and a hydrophilic head.
• They are important chemical compounds with many functions.

Difference Between Phosphatidylserine and Phosphatidylcholine

Definition

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid produced in the body that helps transmit messages between nerve cells in the brain, while phosphatidylcholine is a class of phospholipids that incorporate choline as a head group.

Location

Phosphatidylserine is more concentrated in the brain, whereas phosphatidylcholine is found abundantly in cellular membranes and mitochondrial membranes.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of phosphatidylserine is C₁₃H₂₄NO₁₀P, whereas the molecular formula of phosphatidylcholine is C₁₀H₂₁NO₈P+.

Molar Mass

The molar mass of phosphatidylserine is 385.304 g/mol, whereas the molar mass of phosphatidylcholine is 314.25g/mol.

Conversion

Phosphatidylcholine can be converted to phosphatidylserine, but phosphatidylserine cannot be converted into phosphatidylcholine.

Conclusion

Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine are phospholipids. They are components of the cell membrane. Hence, both have a hydrophobic double tail and a hydrophilic head. They are important chemical compounds with many functions. The main difference between phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine is that the brain has a higher concentration of phosphatidylserine, while cellular and mitochondrial membranes contain an abundant amount of phosphatidylcholine.

Reference:

1. “Phosphatidylcholine – Uses, Side Effects, And More.” WebMD.
2. “Phosphatidylserine – Uses, Side Effects, And More.” WebMD.

Image Courtesy:

1. “1-Oleoyl-2-almitoyl-phosphatidylcholine Structural Formulae V.1” By Jü – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia