Secosteroid
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2008) |
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (December 2008) |
A secosteroid is a molecule similar to a steroid but with a "broken" ring. Etym: L. "SEC-... 'to cut'"[1] - "STERE-, 'solid,' 'three dimensional,'[2] - OID.
Secosteroids are very similar in structure to steroids except that two of the B-ring carbon atoms (C9 and 10) of the typical four steroid rings are not joined, whereas in steroids they are.
In humans, the most important secosteroid is Vitamin D.
External links
- Secosteroids at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
 | This article about a steroid is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |