Cholesterol is considered which type of biomolecule?

• A. Carbohydrate
• B. Protein
• C. Lipid
• D. Nucleic acid

Answer: (C)

Cholesterol is a lipid, specifically a steroid. In biochemistry, biomolecules are grouped by chemistry and solubility: lipids are largely nonpolar and insoluble in water, carbohydrates are polar and water-soluble, proteins are polymers of amino acids, and nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides. Cholesterol has a four-ring steroid structure with a single hydroxyl group, giving it predominantly nonpolar character and behaviors typical of lipids. It sits in cell membranes and serves as a precursor for steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D—roles tied to lipid metabolism. Thus, cholesterol is classified as a lipid.