Cholesterol

Description

Cholesterol is a soft waxy substance that is a steroidal alcohol or sterol. It is the most abundant steroid in the human body and is a component of every cell. Cholesterol is essential to life and most animals and many plants contain this compound. Cholesterol biosynthesis occurs primarily in the liver, but it may be produced in other organs. A number of other substances are synthesized from cholesterol including vitamin D, steroid hormones (including the sex hormones), and bile salts. Cholesterol resides mainly in cell membranes.
Humans produce about 1 gram of cholesterol daily in the liver. Dietary cholesterol is consumed through food. High cholesterol foods are associated with saturated fats and trans-fatty acids (commonly called trans fats). Dietary cholesterol comes from animal products (plants contain minute amounts of cholesterol) such as meats and dairy products.

Description

Cholesterol strengthens cell walls, helps the body digest fat, and serves as a building block for hormones. The human liver makes its own cholesterol, and animal-derived foods are a dietary source. In the liver, cholesterol molecules bind to protein molecules to form lipoproteins that can travel through the bloodstream.

The Uses of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a major component of all biological membranes; ~25% of total brain lipid is Cholesterol. Cholesterol is the principal sterol of the higher animals. Cholesterol was found in all body tis sues, especial in the brain, spinal cord, and in animal fats or oils. Cholesterol is the main constituent of gallstones.

What are the applications of Application

Cholesterol is a structural component of cell membranes

Background

The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils.

Metabolism

Not Available