ergoszterol
Ergosterol is a sterol that constitutes the principal membrane sterol in most fungi and yeasts, functioning analogously to cholesterol in animal cells. It helps regulate membrane fluidity and permeability and supports the activity of membrane-bound proteins. Because fungi rely on ergosterol, it serves as a key biochemical marker of fungal membranes in research and industry.
Biosynthesis of ergosterol occurs via the mevalonate pathway, leading to the formation of squalene and oxidosqualene,
In addition to its structural role, ergosterol is a precursor to vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) when exposed to
Ergosterol is not produced by animals or higher plants, which instead contain cholesterol and various phytosterols,