Cholesterol is one of the important components of the animal cell membrane. Label the circled chiral centers as R/S, and circle the rest of the chiral centers in this compound.

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Cholesterol is one of the important components of the animal cell membrane. Label the circled chiral centers as R/S, and circle the rest of the chiral centers in this compound.

**Cholesterol Molecular Structure**

The image illustrates the chemical structure of cholesterol, a complex molecule essential for various biological functions in the human body.

**Key Features:**

1. **Hydroxyl Group (HO):** Located at the bottom left of the structure, this group is part of the distinguishing features of cholesterol. It contributes to the molecule's classification as a sterol, a subgroup of steroids.

2. **Four Fused Rings (Labeled a, b, c, d):** 
   - **Ring A (a):** The first hexagonal ring, containing a hydroxyl group, is connected to the second ring.
   - **Ring B (b):** This is joined to both ring A and ring C, forming part of the steroid backbone.
   - **Ring C (c):** Connected to ring B and also displaying a hydrogen atom with specific spatial orientation.
   - **Ring D (d):** The final ring, which is a pentagon, completing the fused ring structure typical of steroids.

3. **Branching Alkyl Chain:** Extending from ring D, this hydrophobic tail contributes significantly to cholesterol's physical properties.

**3D Spatial Configuration:**
The diagram utilizes solid and dashed wedges, indicating the three-dimensional orientation of certain hydrogen atoms. This stereochemistry is crucial for cholesterol's interaction with other biomolecules.

Understanding cholesterol's structure helps in comprehending its role in cellular membranes, hormone synthesis, and more within biological systems.
Transcribed Image Text:**Cholesterol Molecular Structure** The image illustrates the chemical structure of cholesterol, a complex molecule essential for various biological functions in the human body. **Key Features:** 1. **Hydroxyl Group (HO):** Located at the bottom left of the structure, this group is part of the distinguishing features of cholesterol. It contributes to the molecule's classification as a sterol, a subgroup of steroids. 2. **Four Fused Rings (Labeled a, b, c, d):** - **Ring A (a):** The first hexagonal ring, containing a hydroxyl group, is connected to the second ring. - **Ring B (b):** This is joined to both ring A and ring C, forming part of the steroid backbone. - **Ring C (c):** Connected to ring B and also displaying a hydrogen atom with specific spatial orientation. - **Ring D (d):** The final ring, which is a pentagon, completing the fused ring structure typical of steroids. 3. **Branching Alkyl Chain:** Extending from ring D, this hydrophobic tail contributes significantly to cholesterol's physical properties. **3D Spatial Configuration:** The diagram utilizes solid and dashed wedges, indicating the three-dimensional orientation of certain hydrogen atoms. This stereochemistry is crucial for cholesterol's interaction with other biomolecules. Understanding cholesterol's structure helps in comprehending its role in cellular membranes, hormone synthesis, and more within biological systems.
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