DIHYDROCHOLESTEROL Meaning and
Definition
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Dihydrocholesterol is a sterol compound that serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol, a vital lipid molecule found in the cells of animals. Also known as 7-dehydrocholesterol, it is produced naturally in the body and plays a crucial role in various biological processes.
Dihydrocholesterol is synthesized from lanosterol, another sterol compound, through a series of enzymatic reactions. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of cholesterol, which is essential for maintaining cell membrane integrity, producing steroid hormones, and synthesizing vitamin D. The conversion of dihydrocholesterol to cholesterol occurs primarily in the liver and other tissues.
In addition to its role in cholesterol synthesis, dihydrocholesterol is also responsible for the production of vitamin D, an important nutrient that supports bone health and calcium absorption. When exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) sunlight, dihydrocholesterol is converted into previtamin D3 in the skin, which, upon further processing, forms biologically active vitamin D3.
Dihydrocholesterol levels can be influenced by various factors, including dietary intake, sunlight exposure, and genetic factors. Imbalances in dihydrocholesterol metabolism can lead to disruptions in cholesterol synthesis and vitamin D production, potentially affecting overall health.
In summary, dihydrocholesterol is an intermediate compound in the biosynthesis of cholesterol and plays a critical role in the production of vitamin D.
Common Misspellings for DIHYDROCHOLESTEROL
- sihydrocholesterol
- xihydrocholesterol
- cihydrocholesterol
- fihydrocholesterol
- rihydrocholesterol
- eihydrocholesterol
- duhydrocholesterol
- djhydrocholesterol
- dkhydrocholesterol
- dohydrocholesterol
- d9hydrocholesterol
- d8hydrocholesterol
- digydrocholesterol
- dibydrocholesterol
- dinydrocholesterol
- dijydrocholesterol
- diuydrocholesterol
- diyydrocholesterol
- dihtdrocholesterol
- dihgdrocholesterol
Etymology of DIHYDROCHOLESTEROL
The word "dihydrocholesterol" has its etymology rooted in its chemical composition and structure.
The term is composed of multiple components: "di-" meaning two or double, "hydro" meaning water or hydrogen, and "cholesterol" which refers to a type of lipid molecule found in animals, humans in particular.
The prefix "di-" in "dihydrocholesterol" indicates that there are two hydrogens in the molecule's structure. In terms of chemical structure, dihydrocholesterol is an intermediate compound in the synthesis of cholesterol, which involves the addition of hydrogens to the cholesterol molecule at specific sites.
Thus, the word "dihydrocholesterol" is a combination of its structural characteristics and the name of the lipid it represents.
Similar spelling word for DIHYDROCHOLESTEROL
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