Ergosterol

Ergosterol is a type of sterol (a fat-like molecule) found in the cell membranes of fungi, including yeast and molds. It functions similarly to cholesterol in human cells, helping maintain the structure and fluidity of the cell membrane. Ergosterol is important for fungal growth and survival. Because it is specific to fungi, it is a target for certain antifungal medications, which block its production to kill or inhibit fungal infections. Ergosterol can also be used as a basis for diagnosing fungal presence in clinical samples.