Steroid hormones are synthesized from __________.

• A. amino acids
• B. proteins
• C. peptides
• D. cholesterol

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that steroid hormones are a class of hormones that are derived from lipids.
2. Recognize that cholesterol is a type of lipid, specifically a sterol, which serves as the precursor for steroid hormone synthesis.
3. Learn that the synthesis of steroid hormones involves the conversion of cholesterol into pregnenolone, which is the first step in the pathway.
4. Note that pregnenolone is then further converted into various steroid hormones, such as cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
5. Remember that amino acids, proteins, and peptides are not involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones, as they are primarily involved in the synthesis of peptide hormones.