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Chapter 5: Q5.3-2CC. (page 75)

Why human sex hormones are considered lipids?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Human sex hormones are similar to lipids in that they are water-insoluble. As a result, they are classified as lipids.

Step by step solution

01

Meaning of lipids

Lipids are carbon and hydrogen chains that make up biological macromolecules. Lipids are hydrophobic, which means they dislike being in contact with water. They are essential cell membrane components that aid in energy storage and cell communication.

02

Meaning of sex hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers released directly into the bloodstream and delivered to organs and tissues throughout the body to accomplish their functions. Humans produce testosterone and estrogen, two types of sex hormones that are steroids.

03

Understanding why sex hormones are considered lipids

Lipids are a group of chemical molecules with a wide range of structural characteristics. They all have one thing in common: they are insoluble in water but readily soluble in non-polar solvents.

Steroids are lipids because they are hydrophobic and water-insoluble, but their structure differs from lipids in that it comprises four fused rings.

A substance only needs to be organic and insoluble in water to be classified as a lipid. As human sex hormones are steroids, they are lipids.

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