Question

The Lipid derivatives which occur in faecal material are

• A. Cholesterol
• B. Ergesterol
• C. Lanoline
• D. Coprosterol

Answer 1

The correct option is D Coprosterol

Many animals, plants and yeast synthesize sterols and their derivatives. Sterols are widely distributed in living organisms as lipid constituents. Cholesterol is a major sterol found as component of plasma membrane lipid bilayer in higher animals such as humans and other mammals. Cholesterol is metabolised to bile acids and steroid hormones. Intestinal microorganisms reduce a certain amount of cholesterol to coprosterol which is then excreted out as faeces. A form of coprosterol termed as 5-coprosterol has a low water solubility and therefore remains stable for many hundreds of years in the environment. Coprosterol is therefore, also used as an indicator of faecal pollution in water from different sources. Ergosterol is a sterol found in fungi and protozoa necessary for their survival and has functions similar to that of cholesterol. Lanolin is a lipid derivative secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool bearing animals. Lanolin is a wax, but it is not a true fat since it lacks glycerides.
So, the correct answer is option D.