Final answer:
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance crucial for forming cell membranes, producing steroid hormones, bile salts, and vitamin D. It is synthesized in the liver and can be affected by diet and genetics. The correct answer to the quiz question is B) A fat-like substance, cell membranes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is essential for the human body. It is not a sugar molecule, a protein, or a hormone; instead, it is a steroid that is mainly synthesized in the liver. Cholesterol is necessary for the formation of cell membranes, as a structural component making the membranes fluid and impermeable to some substances. It serves as a precursor to several important molecules, including steroid hormones like testosterone and estradiol, bile salts that assist in the digestion and absorption of fats, and vitamin D.
Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol is not inherently harmful; rather, it is vital for various bodily functions. However, having high levels of cholesterol in the blood, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease. High blood cholesterol can be influenced by dietary habits, particularly the consumption of foods high in saturated fats, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices.
The correct answer to the question 'What is CHOLESTEROL and what does it MAKE?' is B) A fat-like substance, cell membranes. Additionally, cholesterol is instrumental in making hormones and bile salts.