Essential Cell Biology (fifth Edition)
Essential Cell Biology (fifth Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780393680362
Author: ALBERTS, Bruce, Hopkin, Karen, Johnson -
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
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Chapter 16, Problem 21Q
Summary Introduction

To explain: The cholesterol, if not a major component of the plasma membrane lipid bilayer, can it be used effectively as a hormone if an appropriate intracellular receptor is evolved.

Concept introduction: Cholesterol is an amphipathic molecule and is a major component of the lipid bilayer which forms the plasma membrane. It is amphipathic because it gets the hydrophobic nature from the sterol backbone and hydrophilic nature from the –OH functional group. Cholesterol helps to maintain the fluidity and integrity of the animal cell’s plasma membrane. Cholesterol is the precursor for biosynthesis of several compounds, which includes vitamin D, bile salts, and steroid hormones.

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