Steroids

Summary

Coming soon...

Key Points

• Steroids
  • 
  • Structure:
    • 4-ringed structures 
      • Some have short tail
      • Steroids with OH group attached are called sterols
    • Formed from squalene
      • Compare to how TAG = made from fatty acids?
      • Squalene is most common terpene (reference terpenes pathway)
  • Roles: 
    • Cholesterol is most common steroid
      • Maintains membrane stability and fluidity
      • Cholesterol is precursor to:
        • Steroid Hormones
          • Lipids are useful as precursors for signaling molecules like hormones because they can pass through cellular membranes
          • Synthesized in liver
        • Vitamin D
          • Fat-soluble vitamin
          • Cannot be produced by the body
          • Transported with dietary fats to help absorption  
  • Nonpolar/hydrophobic