Cholesterol. Surface maps (wire-frame and colour-coded) of the electrostatic potential around a cholesterol molecule (C27. H46.O). Orange areas are due to carbon atoms,yellow areas due to hydrogen atoms,and the red area (lower left) is due to the oxygen atom. Cholesterol is a lipid,a fat-like substance,though chemically it is a sterol,a type of alcohol. It is an important cell chemical,and plays a crucial role in the synthesis of bile salts and hormones,and in transporting fats in the bloodstream. High blood levels of cholesterol are thought to raise the risk of atherosclerosis,the build-up of fatty deposits on artery walls. This is a major cause of heart attack and stroke | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Pasieka, Alfred |
Taille de l’image : | 4106 px × 3402 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |