Cholane: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Cholane.svg|Chemical structure of Cholane|thumb]] | |||
'''Cholane''' is a naturally occurring steroid molecule that belongs to the class of [[steroids]]. It is characterized by its four fused rings, consisting of three cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane ring. Cholane is an important component of various biological processes and is found in both animals and plants. | '''Cholane''' is a naturally occurring steroid molecule that belongs to the class of [[steroids]]. It is characterized by its four fused rings, consisting of three cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane ring. Cholane is an important component of various biological processes and is found in both animals and plants. | ||
=== Structure === | === Structure === | ||
The chemical structure of cholane consists of 17 carbon atoms arranged in the four fused rings mentioned earlier. It is a hydrophobic molecule, meaning it is insoluble in water. The presence of various functional groups on the cholane molecule gives rise to its diverse biological activities. | The chemical structure of cholane consists of 17 carbon atoms arranged in the four fused rings mentioned earlier. It is a hydrophobic molecule, meaning it is insoluble in water. The presence of various functional groups on the cholane molecule gives rise to its diverse biological activities. | ||
=== Biological Functions === | === Biological Functions === | ||
Cholane plays a crucial role in several biological processes. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various important molecules such as [[bile acids]], [[steroid hormones]], and [[vitamin D]]. Bile acids, derived from cholane, aid in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Steroid hormones, including [[cortisol]], [[estrogen]], and [[testosterone]], are synthesized from cholane and are involved in regulating numerous physiological processes. Vitamin D, synthesized from cholane in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, is essential for calcium metabolism and bone health. | Cholane plays a crucial role in several biological processes. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various important molecules such as [[bile acids]], [[steroid hormones]], and [[vitamin D]]. Bile acids, derived from cholane, aid in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Steroid hormones, including [[cortisol]], [[estrogen]], and [[testosterone]], are synthesized from cholane and are involved in regulating numerous physiological processes. Vitamin D, synthesized from cholane in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, is essential for calcium metabolism and bone health. | ||
=== Medical Applications === | === Medical Applications === | ||
Due to its involvement in various biological processes, cholane and its derivatives have been studied for their potential medical applications. For example, bile acid sequestrants, which bind to bile acids derived from cholane in the intestine, are used to lower cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Cholane derivatives have also been investigated as potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. | Due to its involvement in various biological processes, cholane and its derivatives have been studied for their potential medical applications. For example, bile acid sequestrants, which bind to bile acids derived from cholane in the intestine, are used to lower cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Cholane derivatives have also been investigated as potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Steroids]] | * [[Steroids]] | ||
* [[Bile acids]] | * [[Bile acids]] | ||
* [[Steroid hormones]] | * [[Steroid hormones]] | ||
* [[Vitamin D]] | * [[Vitamin D]] | ||
[[Category:Steroids]] | [[Category:Steroids]] | ||
[[Category:Biochemistry]] | [[Category:Biochemistry]] | ||
[[Category:Pharmacology]] | [[Category:Pharmacology]] | ||
{{Chemistry-stub}} | {{Chemistry-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 01:34, 5 February 2025
Cholane is a naturally occurring steroid molecule that belongs to the class of steroids. It is characterized by its four fused rings, consisting of three cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane ring. Cholane is an important component of various biological processes and is found in both animals and plants.
Structure[edit]
The chemical structure of cholane consists of 17 carbon atoms arranged in the four fused rings mentioned earlier. It is a hydrophobic molecule, meaning it is insoluble in water. The presence of various functional groups on the cholane molecule gives rise to its diverse biological activities.
Biological Functions[edit]
Cholane plays a crucial role in several biological processes. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various important molecules such as bile acids, steroid hormones, and vitamin D. Bile acids, derived from cholane, aid in the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. Steroid hormones, including cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone, are synthesized from cholane and are involved in regulating numerous physiological processes. Vitamin D, synthesized from cholane in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, is essential for calcium metabolism and bone health.
Medical Applications[edit]
Due to its involvement in various biological processes, cholane and its derivatives have been studied for their potential medical applications. For example, bile acid sequestrants, which bind to bile acids derived from cholane in the intestine, are used to lower cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Cholane derivatives have also been investigated as potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents.
See Also[edit]
