Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a steriodal Lipid found in all animals in the Plasma Membrane, and can be present in some Intracellular Membranes but normally at lower levels.

Structure:

Cholesterol is made up of three sections, the steroid component at one end attached to four hydrocarbon rings, on the other end is a hydroxly group.

Function:

Cholesterol is positioned in the Lipid bilayer parallel to the fatty acid chains of the phosopholipids, and the hydrophilic hydroxyl group interacts with the hydrophilic head of the phospholipid, . Cholesterol is needed in the membrane to alter the fluidity of the bilayer which affects the function of the membrane and therefore the specific cell. It is also inportant in the production of steriodal hormones, including male and female sex hormones, Vitamin D and producing Bile Salts in the Liver. It can also plan an important role in the Myelin Sheath in neurones

There are two main types of Cholesterol and two minor types:

Major forms:

LDL - Low density lipoproteins (good cholesterol)

HDL - High density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol)

Minor forms:

VLDL - Very low density lipoproteins  (very bad forms of cholesterol)

Chylomicrons - carry very little cholesterol, but a lot of triglycerides.

Cholesterol in high density forms can cause such problems as cardiovascular disease and in excess lower density forms can cause Atherosclerosis.

Cholesterol levels can increase with:

Diets high in saturated fats or trans fats
Obesity
A sedentary lifestyle

Berg J, Tymoczko J, Stryer L (2012), Biochemistry, seventh edition, W.H. Freeman and Company, Basinstoke. p362

Miezam Cayrol, Enzine Articles. (2007, Dec 12) http://ezinearticles.com/?Knowing-Cholesterol-and-Its-5-Main-Functions&id=869678

WebMD, LLC (2009) http://www.webmd.boots.com/cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-cholesterol-problems-basics