Steroids and Terpenoids
Start with the big picture
Terpenoids, or isoprenoids, are built from IPP and DMAPP through head-to-tail assembly and are grouped by carbon skeleton size, from hemiterpenes to polyterpenes. Their biosynthesis proceeds through mevalonate and MEP/DOXP pathways; squalene cyclization to lanosterol marks a key step toward sterols and sapogenins. Steroids share a four-ring core and include groups such as steroid hormones, bile acids, vitamin D compounds, and cardiac glycosides. The topic connects these structures to examples including digoxin, phytosterols, diosgenin, artemisinin, paclitaxel, and ginkgolides. It also introduces ecological and industrial roles, colorimetric assays, chromatography, spectroscopy, and metabolic engineering.
What you'll learn
- Explain the isoprene rule and the roles of IPP and DMAPP.
- Classify terpenoids by carbon skeleton size and identify representative examples.
- Outline the major terpenoid biosynthetic pathways and squalene’s role in sterol formation.
- Describe the steroid core and distinguish major steroid-derived groups.
- Relate selected therapeutic terpenoids and analytical methods to their applications.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
