What is the role of sterols in cell membranes?

[hivesaeed4]

I don't get what they are. My professor said that they were receptors (present in the cell membrane) for different microorganisms but I just can't understand it because my understanding of a receptor is like a receptor for a hormone. Do sterols work similarly?

 

[aroc91]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterol

 

[Ygggdrasil]

Sterols are not receptors for microorganisms. They are a class of lipids that play a number of roles in the body. Some sterols are hormones that act on nuclear receptors.

 

[parkerjm]

Sterols found in the cell membrane typically serve a structural role; they decrease the fluidity of the membrane. As an example, a plant adapted to survive in colder temperatures will typically have fewer sterols in its cells' membranes than, say, a plant adapted for tropical environments.

 

[LudusRex]

Sterols are a type of lipid molecule that are found in cell membranes. They have a unique structure that allows them to act as both structural components of the cell membrane and as receptors for various molecules, including hormones and microorganisms.

Think of sterols as a key that can fit into a lock on the cell membrane. This lock is specific to certain molecules, such as hormones or microorganisms. When the key (sterol) fits into the lock (receptor), it can trigger a specific response within the cell.

In the case of microorganisms, sterols can act as receptors by recognizing and binding to certain molecules on the surface of the microorganism. This binding can lead to the activation of signaling pathways within the cell, which can ultimately result in the cell's response to the microorganism.

So, while sterols may not function exactly like receptors for hormones, they do have a similar role in recognizing and responding to specific molecules in the cell membrane. I hope this helps to clarify the function of sterols as receptors.