About the structure and biological function of Erg
Structure. Ergosterol (Erg) belongs to the group of ergosterol lipids within the sterol lipids. Similar to cholesterol, the structure of ergosterol consists of four linked hydrocarbon rings, the steroid structure. A hydrocarbon tail is linked to one end of the steroid, a hydroxyl group linked to the other end.
Function. Ergosterol serves an important structural role in the cell membrane of fungi and also forms lipid rafts – similar to cholesterol in animal cells. Under conditions of stress, the sterol concentration of the cell membrane can change rapidly. It also has multiple functions in growth regulation and is a precursor to vitamin D2. Further, a range of antifungal drugs targets ergosterol by either binding to it in the cell membrane to cause cellular leakage, or by preventing ergosterol synthesis.
