What is the Difference Between Cholesterol and Cholesteryl Ester?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Cholesterol and cholesteryl ester are two forms of cholesterol that exist in the body. The main difference between them is their structure and function:
- Cholesterol: Cholesterol is an essential sterol component in animals, serving both structural and functional roles in cellular systems. It is a major constituent of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. Cholesterol contains a sterol structure with a hydroxyl group.
- Cholesteryl Ester: Cholesterol is converted to cholesteryl esters to facilitate efficient packaging and transportation. Cholesteryl ester is derived from cholesterol and contains an esterified structure with nonpolar groups. Cholesteryl esters are formed by the enzymes lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT). Cholesteryl esters are considered a protective form for storage in cells and transport in plasma.
In summary, cholesterol is the raw form of cholesterol with a sterol structure, while cholesteryl ester is a modified form derived from cholesterol with an esterified structure, which serves as a protective form for storage and transport.
Comparative Table: Cholesterol vs Cholesteryl Ester
Cholesterol and cholesteryl ester are two forms of cholesterol in the body. Here are the key differences between them:
Feature | Cholesterol | Cholesteryl Ester |
---|---|---|
Definition | Cholesterol refers to a compound of the sterol, which is an important constituent of cell membranes and precursors of other steroid compounds. | Cholesteryl ester refers to a dietary lipid, an ester of cholesterol, serving as the major cholesterol form in lipoproteins. |
Structure | Cholesterol has a tetracyclic cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene structure with an iso-octyl side-chain. | Cholesteryl ester is derived from cholesterol and has a higher hydrophobicity. |
Biosynthesis | Cholesterol is synthesized in the liver. | Cholesteryl esters are synthesized in the plasma and cells in animal tissues. |
Solubility and Hydrophobicity | Cholesterol is less soluble in water and is a hydrophobic molecule. | Cholesteryl ester has a higher hydrophobicity. |
Cholesterol is the raw form composed of a sterol structure, and it is biologically active. In order to facilitate efficient packaging and transportation of cholesterol, it is converted to cholesteryl esters by two main enzymes, LCAT and ACAT. Cholesteryl esters serve as a protective form for storage in cells.
- Ergosterol vs Cholesterol
- Cholesterol vs Triglycerides
- Fat vs Cholesterol
- Sterol vs Steroid
- Ester vs Thioester
- Dietary Cholesterol vs Blood Cholesterol
- Ketone vs Ester
- HDL vs LDL Cholesterol
- Hyperlipidemia vs Hypercholesterolemia
- Fatty Alcohol Fatty Acid vs Fatty Ester
- Hypercholesterolemia vs Dyslipidemia
- Ester vs Ether
- LDL vs VLDL Cholesterol
- Non-HDL Cholesterol vs LDL Cholesterol
- Esterification vs Transesterification
- Good Cholesterol vs Bad Cholesterol
- Esterase vs Lipase
- Acetylacetoacetic Ester vs Malonic Ester
- Chylomicrons vs VLDL