Final answer:
Steroids are the class of lipids that serve as precursors for hormone synthesis, with cholesterol being a well-known predecessor for steroid hormones like testosterone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The class of lipids that may serve as precursors for hormone synthesis is steroids. Steroids are lipids characterized by a structure of four fused carbon rings. An example of a steroid is cholesterol, which is not only a key component of cell membranes but also the precursor for steroid hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. These hormones are significant for various physiological functions including metabolism, immune response, and reproduction.