3-Ketosphinganine synthase is the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in biosynthesis of sphingolipids in animals, as follows.

Palmitoyl-CoA + Serine <=> 3-Ketosphinganine + CoASH + CO2

See also: Figure 19.12, Sphingolipids

1. Sphingolipid Metabolism

2. Sphingoglycolipid Metabolism