Definition

A type of sterol that is found in yeast and some molds, which can be converted into vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

Example

Ergosterol is an important compound in fungi and is used in the production of vitamin D2.

Conversation

I read something interesting about ergosterol in my biology class.

Oh really? What did you learn about it?

They mentioned how it helps yeast make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

That’s cool! I didn’t know it had such an important role.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ergosterol is formed from "ergos" (from Greek ἔργον, meaning work) and "sterol" (from the Greek "stereos", meaning solid, and "-ol", a suffix used in chemistry for alcohols). The term ergosterol refers to a solid compound that plays a crucial role in the structure of cell membranes in fungi, thus relating to its function in biological work.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ergos' meaning 'work' and 'sterol' indicating a solid compound — ergosterol is a solid compound that helps in the biological 'work' of cell membranes.

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