Which of the following hormones is a steroid?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Estrogen

Explanation:
• Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone and is chemically classified as a steroid hormone.
• Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and are lipid-soluble, allowing them to pass through cell membranes.
• They typically bind to intracellular receptors to regulate gene expression.
• Estrogen is produced mainly by the ovaries and plays a vital role in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.
• Other examples of steroid hormones include testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol.

Information Booster:
• Hormones are classified based on chemical structure into steroids, proteins/peptides, and amino acid derivatives.
• Steroid hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex, testes, ovaries, and placenta.

Additional Knowledge:
Glucagon (Option b)
• It is a peptide hormone produced by alpha cells of the pancreas.
• It increases blood glucose levels.

Insulin (Option c)
• It is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreas.
• It helps in lowering blood glucose levels.

Oxytocin (Option d)
• It is a peptide hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary.
• It is known as the 'birth hormone' or 'milk-ejection hormone'.

So the correct answer is (a)