Steroid is a type of lipid. which of the following organelles involve in the synthesis of this steroid hormone?

General
1

steroid is a type of lipid. which of the following organelles involve in the synthesis of this steroid hormone?

2

LectureNotes said steroid is a type of lipid. which of the following organelles involve in the synthesis of this steroid hormone?

Answer:

Steroid hormones are types of lipids that are synthesized within specific cellular organelles. The primary organelle involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER). Below is a detailed explanation of the role of the smooth ER and other organelles that may be involved in steroid hormone synthesis:

1. Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)

  • Function: The smooth ER is the central site for lipid and steroid hormone synthesis. Unlike the rough ER, which is studded with ribosomes, the smooth ER has a more tubular structure and a smooth appearance.
  • Process Involved: Enzymes located in the smooth ER membrane catalyze the conversion of cholesterol into steroid hormones. These hormones include cortisol, aldosterone, androgens, estrogens, and progesterone.

2. Mitochondria

  • Role: The mitochondria also play a crucial role in steroid hormone biosynthesis, especially in the initial steps of converting cholesterol to pregnenolone, the precursor of all steroid hormones.
  • Process Involved: The enzyme cytochrome P450scc, present in the inner mitochondrial membrane, is responsible for the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol, forming pregnenolone.

3. Golgi Apparatus

  • Function: The Golgi apparatus is involved in the post-translational modification, sorting, and transport of proteins and lipids. While it is not the primary site of steroid synthesis, it plays a role in processing and packaging the synthesized hormones for secretion out of the cell.
  • Process Involved: Steroid hormones synthesized in the smooth ER are transported to the Golgi apparatus, where they may be further processed and then packaged into vesicles for transport to their target destinations.

Conclusion

The primary organelle involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER). Additionally, the mitochondria are crucial in the early stages of steroidogenesis, and the Golgi apparatus assists in processing and packaging the hormones for secretion.

Final Answer:
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER) is primarily involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones.