Squalene
Squalene
Squalene (/ˈskwɑːliːn/) is a natural organic compound originally obtained for commercial purposes primarily from shark liver oil, though there are also plant sources including amaranth seed, rice bran, wheat germ, and olives.
Etymology
The term "squalene" comes from Squalus, a genus of sharks, from which this compound was first isolated.
Description
Squalene is a triterpene that is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of sterols or steroids. It is a colorless poly-unsaturated hydrocarbon liquid that is part of all plant and animal cells. It is a precursor for the synthesis of all plant and animal sterols, including cholesterol and steroid hormones in the human body.
Function
In humans, squalene is produced in the liver and circulates in the bloodstream. It plays a crucial role in the synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones, and vitamin D. It is also found in large quantities in the skin, where it is one of the main components of sebum.
Related Terms
- Triterpene: A type of chemical compound with a specific structure, which includes squalene.
- Sterol: A type of organic molecule that is produced from squalene.
- Cholesterol: A type of sterol that is produced from squalene in the human body.
- Vitamin D: A vitamin that is synthesized from squalene in the human body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Squalene
- Wikipedia's article - Squalene
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