The biosynthesis of cholesterol as outlined in Figure 26.10 is admittedly quite complicated. It will aid your understanding of the process if you consider the following questions:
(a) Which carbon atoms of squalene 2, 3-epoxide correspond to the doubly bonded carbons of cholesterol?
(b) Which two hydrogen atoms of squalene 2, 3-epoxide are the ones that migrate in step 3?
(c) Which methyl group of squalene 2, 3-epoxide becomes the methyl group at the C, D ring junction of cholesterol?
(d) What three methyl groups of squalene 2, 3-epoxide are lost during the conversion of lanosterol to cholesterol?