HUMAN NUTRITION

Detailed explanation-1: -Cholesterol, the most common steroid, is mainly synthesized in the liver and is the precursor to many steroid hormones.

Detailed explanation-2: -Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol in the gonads and adrenal gland. They can be broadly classified as glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, androgens, estrogens and progestagens. Steroid hormones are lipid soluble, allowing them to diffuse through the plasma membrane.

Detailed explanation-3: -The smooth endoplasmic reticulum functions in many metabolic processes. It synthesizes lipids, phospholipids as in plasma membranes, and steroids. Cells that secrete these products, such as cells of the testes, ovaries, and skin oil glands, have an excess of smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

Detailed explanation-4: -The steroid hormones are synthesized in the adrenal cortex, the gonads, and the placenta; are all derived from cholesterol and many are of clinical importance.