Description
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) hydrolyzes the β-ester bond of zwitterionic glycerophospholipids. Preferred substrates are phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and their plasmalogen analogues. Phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine are also hydrolyzed. It aggressively attacks phospholipids in membranes of intact cells. PLA2 specifically recognizes the sn-2 acyl bond of phospholipids and catalytically hydrolyzes the bond releasing arachidonic acid and lysophospholipids