Sterols are natural lipids that are the main components of vegetable oils, fats, meat and other products. They are complex molecules with several hydrocarbon rings linked by ester bonds. Sterols play important roles in various biological processes, including metabolism and cell membrane function.
Structure of sterols
Structurally, sterols consist of four carbon rings: two are connected into one ring, and two more rings act as side branches. Each ring contains six carbon atoms. The first three rings form the main fragment, called the isopentene ring, the second three form the side fragment, called the norpentene rings. Carbon rings can contain various functional groups such as methyl, hydroxyl and benzyl groups.
Functions of sterols 1. Membrane regulation 2. Synthesis of cholesterol and terpenes 3. Hormonal status 4.