Some of the enzymes that cleave phosphatides are specific, and indeed have been invaluable tools for the elucidation of the three dimensional structure of lipids. Their preferred mode of action is shown schematically below:

Phospholipases A1 and A2: Both enzymes occur in many mammals, and both yield lysolecithins. They differ in the acyl group which they will cleave off.

Phospholipase B: is specific for removing the acyl residue which is left in a lysophosphatide, and also ocurrs in mammals.

Phospholipase C: will hydrolyse lecithin to a 1,2-diacylglycerol. It idoes not ocurr in mamals, only in bacteria , and also in some snake venoms.

Phospholipase D: which is widespread in cereals and oilseds,cleaves the choline group in the presence of water or an alcohol, yielding phosphatidic acid, free or esterified.