Question

How does the basic structure of a steroid differ from other macromolecules such as carbohydrates?

Answer 1

The basic structure of a steroid differ from other macromolecules such as carbohydrates by having a four ring structure whereas a carbohydrate do not have. A steroid is a group of organic substances which has four rings that are arranged in a certain configuration. Examples are testosterone, estradiol and lipid cholesterol. It will always have seventeen carbon atoms in its structure. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are a group of organic substances that consist carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms typically in a 2:1 ratio of the hydrogen and oxygen atoms. So, it would have an empirical formula of Cx(H2O)y.