(lĕs'ĭth-ĭn )

[Gr. lekithos, egg yolk]

A phospholipid (phosphoglyceride) that is part of cell membranes; also found in blood, egg yolk, and soybeans. On hydrolysis, it yields stearic acid, glycerol, phosphoric acid, and choline. It is an important factor in cell division, cell membrane development, and the synthesis of very low-density lipoproteins.

SYN: phosphatidycholine.

lecithal, adj.