Skip to main content

Precursor Molecules

Meaning

Precursor Molecules are biochemical compounds that serve as the foundational starting materials in a metabolic pathway, undergoing a series of enzymatic conversions to synthesize a final, biologically active product. In endocrinology, this term specifically refers to the non-active or less-active compounds, such as cholesterol and DHEA, that are metabolically transformed into steroid hormones like cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen. The availability and efficient conversion of these precursors are rate-limiting steps in hormonal biosynthesis.