Final answer:
Steroid hormones, which are made from cholesterol, include testosterone, estrogens, aldosterone, and cortisol. These hormones are essential for various bodily functions, including reproduction, osmoregulation, and metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormones that are made from cholesterol are known as steroid hormones. These hormones include the sex hormones testosterone and estrogens, which are produced by the gonads. Additionally, the adrenal glands secrete steroid hormones such as aldosterone, involved in osmoregulation, and cortisol, which plays a role in metabolism. Steroid hormones are insoluble in water and are transported across cell membranes due to their lipophilic nature.
Cholesterol is a crucial precursor to many of these steroid hormones, including estradiol and testosterone. Hence, while cholesterol is often discussed in a negative light concerning cardiovascular health, it is also essential for the synthesis of vital hormones that regulate various physiological processes.
These hormones influence the expression of genes within cells by diffusing across the plasma membrane and forming complexes with receptors inside the cell, ultimately impacting gene expression and cell function.