In this video, we're going to introduce the classes of steroid hormones. Now before we get started, let's first revisit our lipid map to make sure we're all on the same page. Already, we've explored the fatty acid based lipids in our previous lesson videos, and currently, we're exploring the isoprenes and the isoprenoids. We've covered the terpenes and terpenoids, as well as the steroids. Here in this video, we're introducing the steroid hormones. It's important to note that the steroid cholesterol is actually a precursor molecule for the steroid hormones. The steroid hormones are built using cholesterol. Recall from our previous lesson videos that hormones are just bio signaling molecules that are released by a cell or gland and travel and affect distant cells in a completely different area of the body. Steroid hormones are just hormones themselves that are steroids. The steroid hormones can actually be classified into 5 different groups, according to the physiological responses they evoke. We've got those 5 different groups here in our table. Those 5 groups are androgens, estrogens, progestins, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids. Notice that for all 5 of these steroid hormones, cholesterol is the precursor molecule used to build each of these steroid hormones. It is important to note that the first three classes, androgens, estrogens, and progestins, are all produced by the gonads, which are basically the organs that produce the gametes, such as the testes in males and the ovaries in females. The glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids are both produced by the adrenal cortex of our adrenal glands. Now, for each of these steroid hormones, we're just doing a general introduction, and we'll be able to talk more details about these steroid hormones and their specific functions later in our course. For now, this is just an introduction to these steroid hormones, and here's an introduction to the functions. Androgens typically control sexual development in males, and a classic example of an androgen is the steroid testosterone, whose structure we're showing you here. We've got the male symbol here to help remind you that androgens control sexual development in males. Estrogens typically control sexual development in females. A classic example is steroid estradiol, whose structure we're showing here and we've got the symbol for the female here to remind you that estrogens control sexual development in females. Progestins typically control the menstrual cycle in females and pregnancy in females as well. Here, we've got a classic example of a progestin called progesterone and again, we have this image here to remind you that it can help control pregnancy in females. Glucocorticoids help control carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, and they help control the breakdown of all of these different components. Cortisol is a classic example and here we've got this figure eating this Burger King sandwich just to help remind you that it helps to control the metabolism of these components. Mineralocorticoids help regulate kidney excretion of salt and water through the urine. A classic example of mineralocorticoids is aldosterone, whose structure we're showing here. Notice that we've got the kidneys here, in this figure who is urinating on the floor to help remind you that mineralocorticoids regulate kidney excretion of salt and water through the urine. This is our brief introduction to these 5 classes of steroid hormones. Down here, you'll notice we've got a little memory tool to help you guys memorize the classes of steroid hormones. It's really a scene from a classic movie called The Elf with Will Ferrell. If you haven't seen that movie, make sure you go check out this scene at the very least because it's going to help remind you of the steroid hormones. Here we've got Will Ferrell who's saying he's an angry hormonal elf, which is really going to upset this elf here, and notice that Will Ferrell is saying angry elves probably get mad. The first letter of angry, elves, and probably corresponds with androgens, estrogens, and progestins, respectively, which are all, again, produced by the gonads. The first letters of get and mad correspond with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. It's just a silly way here to be able to help you guys remember these classes of steroid hormones. This concludes our introduction to the steroid hormones and we'll be able to get some practice applying these concepts in our next couple of videos. I'll see you guys there.
Steroid Hormones: Study with Video Lessons, Practice Problems & Examples
Created using AISteroid hormones, derived from cholesterol, are classified into five groups: androgens, estrogens, progestins, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids. Androgens, like testosterone, regulate male sexual development, while estrogens, such as estradiol, control female sexual development. Progestins, including progesterone, manage the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Glucocorticoids, like cortisol, oversee metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, whereas mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, regulate kidney excretion of salt and water. Understanding these hormones is crucial for grasping their physiological roles in the body.
Steroid Hormones
Video transcript
Each of the following can be synthesized from cholesterol EXCEPT:
A) Glucose.
B) Progesterone.
C) Cholic acid.
D) Testosterone.
E) Estradiol.
Identify the molecule derived from sterols.
A) Arachidonic acid.
B) Gangliosides.
C) Phosphatidylglycerol.
D) Prostaglandins.
E) Cortisol.
Which of the following steroid hormones regulates a female's menstrual cycle?
A) Estrogen.
B) Testosterone.
C) Progesterone.
D) Cortisol.
Here’s what students ask on this topic:
What are the five classes of steroid hormones and their primary functions?
The five classes of steroid hormones are androgens, estrogens, progestins, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids. Androgens, such as testosterone, regulate male sexual development. Estrogens, like estradiol, control female sexual development. Progestins, including progesterone, manage the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, oversee the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Mineralocorticoids, like aldosterone, regulate kidney excretion of salt and water. Each of these hormones plays a crucial role in maintaining various physiological processes in the body.
Created using AIHow are steroid hormones synthesized from cholesterol?
Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol through a series of enzymatic reactions. Cholesterol serves as the precursor molecule. The process begins with the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, which then undergoes further enzymatic modifications to form different steroid hormones. These modifications include hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, and isomerization reactions, which are catalyzed by specific enzymes located in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum of steroidogenic cells. The final products are the five classes of steroid hormones: androgens, estrogens, progestins, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids.
Created using AIWhat is the role of glucocorticoids in metabolism?
Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, play a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. They help regulate blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis in the liver, which is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. Glucocorticoids also facilitate the breakdown of proteins into amino acids and lipids into fatty acids, which can be used as energy sources. Additionally, they have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, making them important in stress responses and in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Created using AIHow do mineralocorticoids regulate kidney function?
Mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, regulate kidney function by controlling the excretion of salt and water. Aldosterone acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the nephron in the kidneys, promoting the reabsorption of sodium ions (Na+) and the excretion of potassium ions (K+). This sodium reabsorption leads to water retention, which helps maintain blood volume and blood pressure. By regulating the balance of electrolytes and water, mineralocorticoids play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Created using AIWhat are the differences between androgens and estrogens?
Androgens and estrogens are both classes of steroid hormones, but they have different roles and are produced in different quantities in males and females. Androgens, such as testosterone, are primarily involved in the development and maintenance of male characteristics, including muscle mass, deep voice, and facial hair. They are produced mainly by the testes in males. Estrogens, like estradiol, are primarily involved in the development and maintenance of female characteristics, such as breast development and regulation of the menstrual cycle. They are produced mainly by the ovaries in females. Both hormones are present in both sexes but in different proportions.
Created using AI