Question

Describe the chemistry and function of cholesterol
Evaluation criteria
o Able to introduce cholesterol effectively through a concise and clear
summary
o Able to illustrate the chemistry of cholesterol
o Able to describe the function of cholesterol
o Proper references

Answer 1

Chemistry and function of cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of sterol found in animal tissues and it is transported in the plasma to the body tissues . Cholesterol is made up of steroid and alcohol and it is present in cell membrane to provide stability.

Cholesterol may exist in either the free form or as an ester with a single fatty acid (of 10-20 carbons in length) covalently attached to the hydroxyl group at position 3 of the cholesterol ring.

Function

Cholesterol is precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D, of the various steroid hormones, including cortisol, cortisone, and aldosterone in the adrenal glands, and of the sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Cholesterol also has an important role for the brain synapses as well as in the immune system.

Reference : pubchem