Ether phospholipids are lipids containing an alkyl group, rather than an acyl group, linked to one of the oxygen atoms of glycerol (see here). Metabolic pathways leading to ether phospholipids are shown in Figure 19.11 and Figure 19.12.

Plasmalogens (vinyl ethers) are phospholipids containing an alkenyl ether at position sn-1 of glycerol. They are synthesized in peroxisomes (Figure 19.12) and constitute 50% of all choline phospholipids in heart tissue. Nevertheless, they are virtually undetectable elsewhere in the body. Individuals deficient in plasmalogen synthesis (such as those with Zellweger syndrome) suffer damage to brain, liver, and kidney before reaching an early death.