Which enzyme converts testosterone to DHT?

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Multiple Choice

Which enzyme converts testosterone to DHT?

Explanation:
The key idea is how testosterone becomes a more potent androgen. The enzyme that does this is 5-alpha-reductase, which chemically reduces testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds the androgen receptor with greater affinity than testosterone, amplifying androgen signaling. This conversion is important in development and in adult tissues like the prostate and hair follicles. Aromatase would convert testosterone to estrogen, not DHT. 21-hydroxylase is involved in adrenal steroid synthesis (cortisol/aldosterone precursors), and monoamine oxidase breaks down monoamines, not steroids. So the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT is 5-alpha-reductase.

The key idea is how testosterone becomes a more potent androgen. The enzyme that does this is 5-alpha-reductase, which chemically reduces testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds the androgen receptor with greater affinity than testosterone, amplifying androgen signaling. This conversion is important in development and in adult tissues like the prostate and hair follicles. Aromatase would convert testosterone to estrogen, not DHT. 21-hydroxylase is involved in adrenal steroid synthesis (cortisol/aldosterone precursors), and monoamine oxidase breaks down monoamines, not steroids. So the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT is 5-alpha-reductase.

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