Why Is There a Need to Esterify Cholesterol?

By converting cholesterol to cholesteryl esters

more cholesterol can be packaged into the interior of lipoproteins. This vastly increases the capacity of lipoproteins, allowing for more efficient cholesterol transport through the blood stream.

What happens when cholesterol is esterified?

cholesterol is transferred to high-density lipoprotein. It is then esterified by LCAT, enabling HDL to take up more free cholesterol. The esterified cholesterol formed in HDL is handed on to LDL, where it is incorporated into the non-polar core of the lipo- protein molecule.

What is the meaning of cholesterol esterification?

Cholesteryl ester, a dietary lipid, is an ester of cholesterol. The ester bond is formed between the carboxylate group of a fatty acid and the hydroxyl group of cholesterol. ... They are hydrolyzed by pancreatic enzymes, cholesterol esterase, to produce cholesterol and free fatty acids.