structure of cholesterol Flashcards
1
Q
what are steroids?
A
- they are lipid molecules with 1 hydrocarbon skeleton consisting of 4 fused rings
2
Q
what are the components of a cholesterol molecule?
A
- hydrocarbon skeleton consisting of 4 fused fused rings
- 1 hydroxyl group linked to the end of the fused rings
3
Q
can cholesterol be found in the plasma membrane?
A
- yes it can!!
4
Q
what is the function of cholesterol in animals?
A
- it stablises the phospholipid bilayer
5
Q
can cholesterol be found in the plasma membranes of plants?
A
NO
6
Q
why is cholesterol amphipathic?
A
- it has a hydrophobic region due to the non-polar hydrocarbon skeleton
- it also has a hydrophilic region due to the polar hydroxyl group
