What is the difference between cholesterol and lipids?
Cholesterol | Lipids |
1. Cholesterol is the most prominent member of the steroid family of lipids. | 1. Lipids are a family of organic compounds, composed of fats and oils. |
2. It is a waxy, fat-like substance found primarily in the cells of animals and humans. | 2. These are macromolecules which are responsible for different functions within the human body. |
3. All cells and other body fluids contain some cholesterol, either in the free form or in storage form. | 3. Lipids are oily or greasy nonpolar molecules, that are stored in the adipose tissue of the body. |
4. It is a compound of sterol type found in tissues. | 4. It is an organic compound made of fatty acids or its derivatives. |
5. Sterol is a type of lipid. | 5. It is one of the three main constituents of living cells. |
6. Cholesterol is insoluble in blood as blood is a water-based fluid and cholesterol is an oil-based fluid. Therefore, as the cholesterol enters the bloodstream, it solidifies into lumps, which are called plaques. | 6. Lipids are a class of compounds characterized by their solubility in nonpolar solvents and insolubility in water. |
7. Cholesterol is a 27 carbon compound with central sterol nucleus made of four hydrocarbon ring and a hydroxyl group. | 7. Lipids are a heterogeneous group of compounds, mainly composed of hydrocarbon chains. |
8. Cholesterol is essential for making the cell membrane and cell structures and is vital for synthesis of hormones , vitamin-D and other substances. | 8. Lipids are energy-rich organic molecules, which provide energy for different life processes. |
9. Cholesterol is found in both plants and animal-based food, such as milk, milk products, eggs, whole grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables etc. | 9. It is found in the dietary lipids and fats, oils from olives, sunflower, seed and nuts, fishes etc. |