Author
Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Cholesterol and Cholesteryl Ester?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Cholesterol and Cholesteryl Ester?
  • Comparative Table: Cholesterol vs Cholesteryl Ester

    • 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.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.