Answer
Both testosterone and estrogen are sex steroids derived from cholesterol. They both have a four ring structure -- three cyclohexanes and one cyclopentane rings. They also have side groups--methyl(CH3) and alcohol (OH) groups. Estrogen is derived from testosterone by the following changes:
a. The first ring becomes aromatic: it gains an extra double bond.
b. Testosterone loses a methyl group
c. Estrogen gains an extra alcohol(-OH) side group.
Work Step by Step
Testosterone is the hormone that is responsible for the development and maintenance of secondary male sex characteristics. It supports sperm development, maintains the male libido and develops and maintains muscular strength in both males and females. Estrogen is the main female sex hormone involved in development of female secondary characteristics, oogenesis , menarche, menstruation. labor. child birth lactation and and menopause. both men and women produce estrogen and testosterone but males produce much more testosterone and females produce much more estrogens.
