[Campbell Biology P.124] Based on the information provided in the text, why are human sex ho... | Practice Question

Based on the information provided in the text, why are human sex hormones categorized as lipids?

  • A: Because they are essential components of animal cell membranes.
  • B: Because they are synthesized from cholesterol, which is a type of steroid, and steroids are defined as a class of lipids.
  • C: Because they primarily function as catalysts in biochemical reactions, a common role for many lipids.
  • D: Because they are large, complex molecules built from repeating units of fatty acids.

Explanation

The text states that 'Steroids are lipids characterized by a carbon skeleton consisting of four fused rings' and that cholesterol 'is also the precursor from which other steroids, such as the vertebrate sex hormones, are synthesized.' Therefore, sex hormones are lipids because they are a type of steroid derived from cholesterol.