Question

The immediate precursor of estradiol-17β is:

a) Progesterone
b) Testosterone
c) Androstenedione
d) Estriol

Answer 1

Testosterone is the immediate precursor of estradiol-17β, with the conversion facilitated by the enzyme aromatase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The immediate precursor of estradiol-17β is testosterone. In the biosynthesis of sex hormones, cholesterol is converted into pregnenolone, which can subsequently be transformed into various steroid hormones. Testosterone, a well-known androgen, is one of these hormones that can be converted into estradiol-17β by the action of the enzyme aromatase.

Estradiol is one of the primary forms of estrogen and plays a crucial role in the development and functioning of the reproductive system. While testosterone is typically associated with male characteristics, it is also present in females and serves as an important precursor in the synthesis of estrogens like estradiol.