MoleculeMETABOLITE RECORD

Squalene

A 30-carbon linear triterpene formed from two farnesyl diphosphate molecules.

30-carbon moleculeCholesterol biosynthesisHomo sapiens
REFERENCE IDENTIFIER record
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Squalene is a small molecule that cells make, use, or change in connected metabolic reactions.

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Record type: molecule. A 30-carbon linear triterpene formed from two farnesyl diphosphate molecules.
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At a glance

Carbon backbone 30 CThis carbon count is shown where it is defined for the molecule.

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STRUCTURED REACTIONS

Where it appears

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10

Squalene formation

Squalene synthase reductively joins two farnesyl diphosphate molecules.

Cholesterol biosynthesis · irreversible
11

Lanosterol and cholesterol formation

Squalene is epoxidized and cyclized to lanosterol; multiple ER reactions then produce cholesterol.

Cholesterol biosynthesis · irreversible