Question

What is the classification of hormones based on the chemical structure?

Answer 1

Hormones:

Hormones are a type of chemical substance that is produced by endocrine glands.

Classification of hormones:

Based on the chemical structure, hormones are classified into four types: peptides, steroid hormones, amino acid derivatives, and fatty acids derivatives.

Peptide hormones:

1. These are the short chains of amino acids which are produced as large polypeptide precursors and processed before being secreted.
2. Examples: gonadotropins, insulin, etc.

Steroid hormones:

1. These are the hormones made up of cholesterol and work for the effective functioning of the body.
2. Examples: testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol, etc.

Amino acid derivatives:

1. Amino acids are the organic compounds that makeup protein.
2. These are majorly made up of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Amino acid derivatives are synthesized from tryptophan and tyrosine.
3. Examples: epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Fatty acid derivatives:

1. Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats as they are derived by the breakdown of emulsified fats.
2. Fatty acid derivatives are eicosanoids which are a large group of molecules derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids.
3. Example: prostaglandins.