Biochemistry II: Lanosterol → Cholesterol

Lanosterol → Cholesterol

This sequence of reactions is incompletely understood but involves numerous oxidations of carbon groups, for example, the conversion of methyl groups to carboxylic acids, followed by decarboxylation. The end product, cholesterol, is the precursor to cholesterol esters in the liver and is transported to the peripheral tissues where it is a precursor to membranes (all cells), bile salts (liver), steroid hormones (adrenals and reproductive tissues), and vitamin D (skin, then liver, and finally kidney).