_______ is the common substrate from which all adrenal steroids are produced.

_______ is the common substrate from which all adrenal steroids are produced.

• A. Cholesterol
• B. Glucose
• C. Protein
• D. Fatty acids

Answer: (A)

Cholesterol is the common substrate for all adrenal steroids. The adrenal cortex builds glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens starting from cholesterol, which provides the four-ring steroid nucleus. The process begins when cholesterol is transported into mitochondria and converted by enzymes like CYP11A1 to pregnenolone, the shared precursor. From there, different enzyme steps branch to form cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens. The other substances—glucose, protein, and fatty acids—aren’t the backbone for steroid hormones and aren’t used to generate the four-ring steroid structure.

Cholesterol is the common substrate for all adrenal steroids. The adrenal cortex builds glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens starting from cholesterol, which provides the four-ring steroid nucleus. The process begins when cholesterol is transported into mitochondria and converted by enzymes like CYP11A1 to pregnenolone, the shared precursor. From there, different enzyme steps branch to form cortisol, aldosterone, and adrenal androgens. The other substances—glucose, protein, and fatty acids—aren’t the backbone for steroid hormones and aren’t used to generate the four-ring steroid structure.