ERGOSTEROL Meaning and
Definition
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Ergosterol is a naturally occurring sterol compound that is primarily found in fungal organisms. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of vitamin D2, and it is an essential component of the cell membranes in fungi, playing a crucial role in maintaining their structural integrity and functionality.
Chemically, ergosterol belongs to the class of compounds known as steroids, characterized by a four-ring structure composed of carbon atoms. It is a white, crystalline solid with a molecular formula of C28H44O and a molecular weight of approximately 396.65 grams per mole.
Ergosterol is typically synthesized by fungi in response to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, enabling them to produce vitamin D2, a process similar to that observed in human skin when exposed to sunlight. Consequently, it is commonly used in the commercial production of this important vitamin.
In addition to its role in vitamin D2 synthesis, ergosterol is involved in regulating various physiological processes in fungi. It plays a role in controlling membrane fluidity and permeability, maintaining proper ion balance and transportation, and participating in signaling pathways that influence the growth and development of fungal cells.
As a result of its significance in fungal biology, ergosterol has been studied extensively to develop antifungal drugs. These drugs target the synthesis or function of ergosterol, disrupting fungal cell membranes and impeding their growth and survival. Such medications are frequently used in the treatment of fungal infections in humans, animals, and plants.
Common Misspellings for ERGOSTEROL
- wrgosterol
- srgosterol
- drgosterol
- rrgosterol
- 4rgosterol
- ergosterole
Etymology of ERGOSTEROL
The word "ergosterol" is derived from the Greek word "ergon", meaning work, and the chemical suffix "-sterol", which is used to denote a group of compounds found in the sterol class. The term was coined in 1912 by German chemist Heinrich Otto Wieland, who discovered ergosterol while studying the structure of cholesterol and other sterols. Ergosterol is a sterol compound found in fungi and various microorganisms, serving as a precursor to vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Similar spelling words for ERGOSTEROL
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