Structure of Cholesterol
The molecular formula of cholesterol is C27H46O, i.e., it consists of 27 carbon atoms, 46 hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. It is a cholestanoid with cholestane, which has a double bond at the 5,6-position as well as a 3-beta-hydroxy group. It has a unique bulky steroid structure made up of four linked hydrocarbon rings, a hydrocarbon tail, and a hydroxyl group, where the four hydrocarbon rings are joined together in the middle of the compound with a hydrocarbon tail attached to one end and the hydroxyl group attached to the other end.
Cholesterol Formula
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is also known as cholesterin or cholesteryl alcohol. It is an organic compound that belongs to the steroid family and is a type of lipid. It is found in blood plasma and all animal tissues and can be found in large concentrations within the liver, spinal cord, and brain. It is a white or faintly yellow and almost odourless crystalline solid that has a molecular formula of C27H46O. It is an important part of the cell membrane and also a component of bile salt. To maintain a person’s health, the body needs cholesterol in limited amounts. The term “cholesterol” is derived from ancient Greek words “chole” and “stereos” which means “bile” and “solid” respectively and -ol for alcohol. Around 80% of the cholesterol required for the body is naturally produced by the liver and intestines, we can also consume it from different foods like poultry, eggs, dairy products, fish, and meat.