Question

Ergosterol and cholesterol are ______respectively.
A. Derived fat and derived fat
B. Compound fat and derived fat
C. Derived fat and compound fat
D. Simple lipid and hetero lipid.

Answer 1

Hint: A derived lipid or fat is obtained from the hydrolysis of simple or compound lipids. A simple lipid is a fatty acid of different alcohols and carries no other substance. Compound lipids composed of another type of chemical compound attached to it. Ergosterol and cholesterol are obtained or formed by the process of hydrolysis.

Complete Step by step answer: Ergosterol is a sterol i.e. a chemical compound with formula ${C_{28}}{H_{44}}O$ and its molecule is derived from that of gonane by replacement of a hydrogen atom in position 3 by a hydroxyl $\left( {OH} \right)$ group. Thus, it is known as alcohol of gonane. It is found in cell membranes of fungi and protozoa. Many fungi and protozoa cannot survive without ergosterol, the enzymes that synthesize it have become important targets for drug discovery. It is converted to vitamin ${D_2}$ by ultraviolet radiation.
Cholesterol is an organic molecule. It is also a sterol i.e., a type of lipid. It is biosynthesized by all animal cells and is an essential structural component of animal cell membranes. Since all animal cells manufacture cholesterol, all animal based foods contain cholesterol in different amounts. Major dietary sources of cholesterol include the foods such as red meat, egg yolks, etc.
Ergosterol and cholesterol are both derived fats and lipids. Lipids are fat-like molecules that circulate in our bloodstream. They can also be found in cells and tissues in our body. The hydrolysis product of simple and compound lipids is known as derived fats or lipids. Both of these are formed by the process of hydrolysis.

Therefore, option A is correct.

Note: We should remember that both ergosterol and cholesterol are formed by hydrolysis i.e., when any chemical compound is reacted with water and a new substance is formed. A lipid formed by the hydrolysis of compounds is known as derived lipids.