Classes Following are the classes of steroids based on the number of nuclear carbons. Additional carbons that are not nuclear are not to be considered in classifying a steroid. Nomenclature Study the following examples for an understanding on how the steroids are named. Use the above information on numbering, classes and configuration to deduce the name. This is the rate limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis.
Cholesterol is the raw material for synthesis of all steroid hormones.
The conversion occurs in the mitochondria of cells thus requiring the transport of cholesterol from outside cells to inside. Cholesterol is also metabolized into cholic acid in the liver. Cholic acids are a part of bile acids that are released into the intestines.