What is the difference between steroid hormones and amine hormones?

Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and are lipid-soluble, allowing them to easily pass through cell membranes and bind to intracellular receptors, influencing gene expression. In contrast, amine hormones are derived from amino acids and are generally water-soluble, which means they typically bind to receptors on the cell surface, activating signaling pathways without directly altering gene expression. This fundamental difference in structure and solubility influences their mechanisms of action and physiological effects in the body.