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Why Is Cholesterol Esterified?

An alcohol reacting with an acid forms an ester. Since cholesterol possesses the –OH group characteristic of alcohols, it can unite with a fatty acid to form an acid. Esters of cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis, but they are physiologically important.

  1. Transportation of Cholesterol

    • The chemical attraction of cholesterol to water hinders its passage through the bloodstream. For this reason, an enzyme in the blood called LCAT esterifies cholesterol. The resultant ester is not attracted to water and can travel easily to wherever it is needed, according to Michael Palmer of the University of Waterloo.

    Storage in Cells

    • If too much cholesterol accumulates within a cell, an enzyme called ACAT converts it into an ester for safe storage, according to “Metabolism and Nutrition.” Little drops of fat in the cytoplasm serve as storage units for the ester, according to the Journal of Lipid Research. Unesterified free cholesterol could harm the cell membrane. Liver cells are special storage units for unesterified cholesterol.

    Precursor of Steroids

    • Esterified cholesterol may serve as a precursor to steroids of the adrenal cortex. The adrenal glands lie above the kidneys. Its hormones have the same basic four-ring structure as cholesterol. Cholesterol is easily converted into adrenal hormones such as cortisol, which acts as a stimulant in time of stress.

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