What is true about the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver?

The synthesis of cholesterol in the liver is closely regulated by the levels of dietary cholesterol available in the body. When dietary cholesterol intake is low, the liver compensates by increasing its own production of cholesterol to maintain necessary physiological functions, such as hormone synthesis and cell membrane integrity. This feedback mechanism allows the body to adjust cholesterol levels based on availability and demand, which is why the statement about synthesis occurring when dietary cholesterol is low is accurate.

In contrast, if dietary cholesterol is abundant, the liver will downregulate its cholesterol synthesis, demonstrating how the body maintains homeostasis. This dynamic response reflects the body's ability to balance cholesterol levels rather than having a fixed production rate that remains constant or is solely dependent on the presence of dietary fats or specific food sources. Thus, the assertion that cholesterol synthesis only occurs under certain dietary conditions, rather than being a consistent process or ceasing completely when animal products are consumed, underscores the importance of the body’s regulatory mechanisms.