Information AboutSteroid |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT STEROID | |
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A steroid is a Lipid characterized by a Carbon skeleton with four fused rings. Different steroids vary in the Functional Group s attached to these rings. Hundreds of distinct steroids have been identified in Plant s, Animal s, and Fungi . Their most important role in most living systems is as Hormone s. In human physiology and medicine, the most important steroids are Cholesterol , the Steroid Hormone s, and their Precursor s and Metabolite s. In conversations, the term ''steroid'' is often used more restrictively in specific contexts. For instance, ''steroid'' in common medical usage by non-endocrinologists usually refers to Corticosteroid s, nearly always Glucocorticoid s. In an athletic or body-building context, ''steroid'' commonly refers to Anabolic Steroid s. Cholesterol is an important Steroid Alcohol , being a common component of animal Cell Membrane s. However, a high level of it can cause various conditions and Diseases , such as Atherosclerosis . Most other steroids are synthesized from cholesterol. Also, various hormones, including Vertebrate Sex Hormone s, are steroids created from cholesterol. There are also various specific categories of steroids, including:
Steroid hormones produce their physiological effects by binding to steroid hormone Receptor proteins. The binding of steroid hormones to their receptors causes changes in gene Transcription and cell function. EXTERNAL LINKS
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