Question

List 2 similarities and 2 differences between Fats and Cholesterol.

Answer 1

The fats are also referred to as triglycerides/ triacylglycerols and they are the fatty acid esters of glycerol. In triacylglycerols, the three fatty acid chains are associated with the OH groups of the glycerol by an ester linkage. They are fuel reserves of animals and prevent the loss of heat from the body (insulating agents).

Cholesterol is yellowish crystalline solid which contain cyclo pentano perhydrophenantrin ring system (CPPP) i.e. four fused rings and aliphatic side chain and it is a major component of cell membranes which regulate the membrane fluidity. The systemic name of cholesterol is 3-beta hydroxyl delta- cholestene and found in animals and the human body.

Similarities between fats and cholesterol:

The cholesterol & fats are both synthesized by the Liver and both obtained through diet.

Cholesterol & fats are water-insoluble a hydrophobic in nature

In the blood cholesterol & fats are transported by the lipoproteins.

High levels of cholesterol & fats cause the cardiovascular diseases

Differences between fats and cholesterol

Fats are mainly involved in the storage of energy but cholesterol is not but it involved in regulation of membrane fluidity.

Cholesterol with complex ring structure and it is derivative of most of the sex hormones but fat has simple aliphatic structure.