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Questions and Answers
What does hydrophobic mean in the context of steroids?
What does hydrophobic mean in the context of steroids?
Can directly diffuse through the plasma membrane.
What is the synthesis of steroids derived from?
What is the synthesis of steroids derived from?
- Glucose
- Amino acids
- Fatty acids
- Cholesterol (correct)
How are steroids transported in the blood?
How are steroids transported in the blood?
Bound to carrier proteins.
The half life of a steroid is longer if it is ___ by a carrier protein.
The half life of a steroid is longer if it is ___ by a carrier protein.
Where do intracellular receptors typically bind?
Where do intracellular receptors typically bind?
What effect does the binding of a steroid hormone have on the cell?
What effect does the binding of a steroid hormone have on the cell?
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Study Notes
Chemical Classification of Steroids
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Hydrophobic Characteristics: Steroids can freely diffuse through the plasma membrane due to their hydrophobic nature, allowing them to enter cells easily.
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Synthesis Process: Steroids are synthesized from cholesterol, which consists of four interconnected rings. Functional groups like 'ol' or 'one' indicate steroid hormones, exemplified by testosterone.
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Transport Mechanism: In the bloodstream, steroids are transported bound to carrier proteins, ensuring stability and delivery to target cells.
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Half-Life Features: Steroids protected by carrier proteins exhibit a longer half-life, typically ranging from hours to days, which influences their duration of action in the body.
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Intracellular Receptors: Upon entering the cell, steroids bind to receptors located in the cytoplasm. This complex then translocates to the nucleus, where it exerts its effects.
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Cellular Effects: The binding of steroid-receptor complexes in the nucleus influences genetic transcription by activating or repressing specific genes, thereby modulating genetic activity.
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