Question

Which one of the following functions of cholesterol is detrimental to health?

• A. Formation of bile acids
• B. Formation of arterial plaques
• C. Component of cell membrane
• D. Formation of steroid hormones

Hint:

Cholesterol: Essential for cell membranes, steroid hormones, and bile salts. Harmful when elevated as LDL causing arterial atheroma plaques.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cholesterol is an essential structural and precursor sterol lipid whose pathological deposition in arterial intima leads to cardiovascular disease.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Evaluating physiological vs pathological roles of cholesterol:
1. Beneficial Physiological Roles: Essential constituent of animal cell membranes (maintains membrane fluidity), precursor for steroid hormones (cortisol, testosterone, estrogen), and precursor for bile acids (cholic acid).
2. Detrimental Pathological Role: Elevated circulating Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol undergoes oxidation and accumulates in the subendothelial space of coronary and systemic arteries, forming atherosclerotic arterial plaques that narrow lumen diameter and precipitate myocardial infarction.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Formation of arterial plaques is detrimental to health, matching option (B).