squalene
/ˈskweɪliːn
/noun [mass noun] Biochemistry
An oily liquid hydrocarbon which occurs in shark liver oil and human sebum, and is a metabolic precursor of sterols.
- A triterpenoid; chemical formula: C30H50.
- Approximately 80% of the cholesterol in your blood is synthesized in your liver from squalene.
- Human sebaceous glands secrete a lipid mixture of mainly triglycerides, wax esters, free fatty acids, and squalene.
Origin
Early 20th century: from Latin squalus (see squalamine) + -ene.
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