Question

Write a short note on steroids.

Answer 1

Steroids are a group of lipids that contain a cyclic ring structure called cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene. The phenanthrene nucleus consist of three 6-membered carbon rings (A, B, C) and one 5-membered carbon ring(D) fully saturated with hydrogen.

Steroids include:

1. Cholesterol which is found in the cell membrane of organisms and in the blood.
2. Steroid hormones- Sex hormones like Testosterone, Estrogens.
3. Adrenal cortex hormones
4. Bile acids
5. Vitamin D