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What are the functions of the steroid cholesterol?

Published in Cell Biology 1 min read

Cholesterol, a type of steroid, primarily functions to maintain the structure and fluidity of cell membranes.

Understanding Cholesterol's Role

Cholesterol is crucial for the proper functioning of cells. Here's a breakdown of its functions:

  • Structural Integrity: Cholesterol adds structure to the cell membrane, preventing it from becoming too fluid. This ensures the membrane's stability and allows it to maintain its proper shape and function.
    • Without cholesterol, the cell membrane would be too fluid.

Key Functions Summarized

Here's a simple table summarizing cholesterol's primary role:

Function Description
Cell Membrane Structure Prevents the cell membrane from becoming excessively fluid, providing stability.

Cholesterol is a vital component for cell health, according to the provided information.

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