Final answer:
Steroid hormones like estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone are derived from cholesterol and fat-soluble, allowing them to diffusethrough cell membranes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steroid Hormones Derived from Cholesterol
The hormones mentioned in the question are known as steroid hormones, a class of lipid-derived hormones that are synthesized from cholesterol. These hormones include estradiol, androgens like testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone. They are fat-soluble, allowing them to diffuse through cell membranes and are carried in the bloodstream by transport proteins due to their water insolubility. These hormones are commonly associated with reproductive function as well as stress responses and electrolyte balance.
Adrenal cortex is responsible for synthesizing cortisol and aldosterone, while the gonads produce estradiol and androgens. Their synthesis takes place in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and they utilize protein carriers in the blood, unlike peptide hormones that are not lipid-soluble. These characteristics enable them to circulate in the body for extended periods, influencing the expression of genes in target cells by passing through cell membranes and binding to intracellular receptors.