sterol

Thân thiện

A scientist examines a sterol sample under a microscope.

Definition

Noun: 1. A type of organic compound: A sterol is any of a large group of naturally occurring, complex organic compounds. They are a specific subclass of steroids characterized by having a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached at the carbon-3 position of the steroid core structure. 2. Chemical and physical properties: Sterols are waxy, fat-like substances that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They are essential components of cell membranes in most eukaryotic organisms (plants, animals, fungi).

Examples of Usage

• General Reference:
  • Cholesterol is the most well-known sterol in animal cells.
  • Phytosterols are a type of sterol found in plants.
• Scientific Context:
  • The function of this sterol is to modulate membrane fluidity.
  • Researchers are studying the biosynthesis of sterols in fungi.

Advanced Usage

• "Sterol regulatory element": A specific DNA sequence that controls genes involved in sterol synthesis and uptake.
  • The gene's expression is controlled by a sterol regulatory element.
• "Sterol ester": A compound formed when a sterol is linked to a fatty acid, often used for storage or transport.
  • Most cholesterol in the blood is transported as a sterol ester within lipoprotein particles.

Variants and Related Words

• Steroid (noun): The broader parent class of organic compounds with a specific four-ring carbon structure. All sterols are steroids, but not all steroids are sterols (e.g., testosterone is a steroid but not a sterol).
• Steroidal (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of steroids.
  • The molecule has a steroidal backbone.
• Cholesterol (noun): The principal zoosterol (animal sterol), crucial for membrane structure and a precursor for other steroids.
• Phytosterol (noun): A sterol produced by plants (e.g., sitosterol, campesterol).
• Ergosterol (noun): A sterol found in fungal cell membranes, targeted by some antifungal medications.

Synonyms

• Steroid alcohol (technical synonym)
• Lipid (broader category; sterols are a type of lipid)

Related Phrases / Compound Terms

• Sterol biosynthesis: The metabolic pathway by which organisms produce sterols.
• Sterol content: A measurement of the amount of sterol present in a substance, such as food or a biological sample.
• Membrane sterol: A sterol that is integrated into a cellular membrane to regulate its properties.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of a group of natural steroid alcohols derived from plants or animals; they are waxy insoluble substances

Từ đồng nghĩa

• steroid alcohol