Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol. Which cellular organelle is the primary site for the initial step of steroidogenesis (the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone)?
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Correct answer: Mitochondria
The rate-limiting step of steroid synthesis occurs when cholesterol is transported into the mitochondria by the StAR protein. Within the mitochondria, the side-chain cleavage enzyme converts cholesterol into pregnenolone.
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