What are naturally occurring steroid alcohols found in plants and animals known as?

Naturally occurring steroid alcohols found in both plants and animals are categorized as sterols. These compounds play various roles in biological systems, including serving as crucial components of cell membranes and precursors for hormones and vitamins. In plants, sterols such as phytosterols contribute to membrane structure and stability, while in animals, cholesterol is the most well-known sterol, vital for various bodily functions, including hormone production and vitamin D synthesis.

The other options do not accurately describe this category of compounds. Stanols, while related to sterols, are hydrogenated forms of sterols and do not encompass the broader category. Saturated fats refer to a type of fatty acid that lacks double bonds and does not include steroid alcohols. Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities for vital functions but do not specifically refer to steroid alcohols and are a separate class of nutrients entirely.