ergosterol
/ɜrˈɡɑstərɔl/
noun
- A substance found in fungi and yeast that turns into vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light.
- When yeast is exposed to UV rays, the ergosterol in it changes into vitamin D2.
- Scientists study ergosterol to understand how fungi build their cell membranes.
- Ergosterol is an important compound in mushrooms that helps them produce vitamin D in sunlight.