A 37-year-old woman is diagnosed with a tumor that is causing symptoms of excessive hormone production. She underwent a surgical resection of the lesion, and the neoplastic tissue is subjected to detailed pathologic studies. Pathologist reveals the tumor cells have highly developed, smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Which of the following is a possible direct effect of the substance secreted by these cells?

Question

A 37-year-old woman is diagnosed with a tumor that is causing symptoms of excessive hormone production.  She underwent a surgical resection of the lesion, and the neoplastic tissue is subjected to detailed pathologic studies.  Pathologist reveals the tumor cells have highly developed, smooth endoplasmic reticulum.  Which of the following is a possible direct effect of the substance secreted by these cells?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The initial step in the synthesis of steroid hormones is the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone in the mitochondria.  The remainder of steroidogenesis occurs in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum.  Steroid-producing cells contain a well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

A 37-Year-Old Woman Is Diagnosed with a Tumor That Is