Question

Testosterone and progesterone (hormones) are synthesized by
A. Golgi complex
B. Smooth ER
C. Rough ER
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint:-Testosterone and progesterone are basically steroidal hormones i.e. their content is made up of cholesterol. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum has ribosomes attached to it, which is responsible for the production of proteins, whereas smooth endoplasmic reticulum has no ribosomes attached to it. This is the difference in them which is responsible for their hormone productions.

Complete step-by-step solution:-Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER) has ribosomes attached in it which helps in production of proteins in the cell whereas golgi apparatus is responsible for post translation i.e. modifications needed in protein after its production in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Testosterone and progesterone are steroid hormones as all are the derivatives of cholesterol and lipids. Steroid hormones are synthesized by smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in the cell, as they are lipophilic and cannot mix with plasma of the cell or other body fluid, so they are made to transport proteins and bind to it. Protein bound steroids are in active form and bind with the steroid receptor present on the surface of the cell which slowly after binding relays their signals and activates gene transcription. Androgen hormone in male is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in the body which includes growth of pubic hair whereas progesterone hormone in females is also responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics like preparation of uterus for the pregnancy and mammary glands for lactation. These hormones are released by placenta, adrenal cortex and placenta. Hence the correct option is (B) Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum.

Note:-
“Golgi complex is responsible for post translational modification”, This statement means that after protein synthesis in rough endoplasmic reticulum it is in the form of amino acid chain which sometimes needs modifications like attachment of carbohydrate group or even more these modifications is done by golgi complex, it includes processes like proteolysis, lipidation, nitrosylation, methylation etc