Sterol (Noun)
Meaning
Any of a group of natural steroid alcohols derived from plants or animals; they are waxy insoluble substances.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Cholesterol is a type of sterol found in the cells of all animals, including humans.
- The cell membranes of plant cells contain various sterols, such as ergosterol and stigmasterol.
- Ergosterol is an essential sterol component in the cell membranes of fungi.
- The protective waxy coating of plants often contains a type of sterol called betasitosterol.
- Insects produce a class of sterols known as ecdysteroids, which are involved in the regulation of molting and growth.