Cholesterol. Surface maps (wire-frame and colour- coded) of the electrostatic potential around a cholesterol molecule (C27.H46.O). The green area consists of hydrocarbon rings. A hydrocarbon chain leads off to right. The oxygen atom (not colour- coded) is at the bottom left end of the molecule. Cholesterol is a lipid,a fat-like substance,and is a sterol,a type of alcohol. It is an important cell chemical,and plays a crucial role in synthesising bile salts and hormones,and also in transporting fats in the blood. High blood levels of cholesterol are thought to raise the risk of atherosclerosis,the build-up of fatty deposits on artery walls,a major cause of heart attacks | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Pasieka, Alfred |
Bildgröße: | 4243 px × 3339 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |