Crystals of cholesterol

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Crystals of cholesterol

False-colour scanning electron micrograph of crystals of monohydrate cholesterol percipitated from alcohol & water (plate form). Cholesterol is a sterol, a fatlike material synthesised by all animal cells. It is a major constitutent of the cell membrane, a precursor to the formation of sex hormones & the source of bile salts. A third of body cholesterol is made in the liver. Its excretion, directly or as bile salts, is the sole responsiblitiy of the liver. Body cholesterol is added to by dietary cholesterol from meat & dairy products. High levels are associated with atheroma & coronary heart disease but the relationship is unclear. Magnification: x70 at 6x4.5cm size

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6295027

© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Atheroma Bile Cholesterol Compound Compounds Crystal Crystals Fatty Plaque Sterol

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate beauty of crystals of cholesterol. In this false-colour scanning electron micrograph, we are presented with a mesmerizing plate-like formation of monohydrate cholesterol precipitated from alcohol and water. Cholesterol, a sterol, is an essential fat-like substance synthesized by all animal cells. As a major constituent of the cell membrane, cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular integrity. It also serves as a precursor for the synthesis of sex hormones and acts as the source for bile salts. Interestingly, one-third of body cholesterol is produced in the liver, which also bears sole responsibility for its excretion either directly or as bile salts. While dietary consumption from meat and dairy products contributes to body cholesterol levels, it remains unclear how high levels are precisely linked to conditions like atheroma and coronary heart disease. This enigmatic relationship continues to be explored by scientists worldwide. The magnification at x70 allows us to appreciate the intricate details within these colorful crystal formations on this 6x4.5cm print. Through this image captured by Science Photo Library using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we gain insight into the complex chemistry behind compounds like cholesterol and their impact on our health.

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