Question

Which of the following options correctly represents the chemical nature of hormones?

• A. Carbohydrates, proteins and lipids
• B. Peptides, polypeptides, proteins, steroids and nucleic acid derivatives
• C. Proteins, carbohydrates, amino-acid derivatives and steroids
• D. Peptides, polypeptides, proteins, steroids, amino-acid derivatives and iodothyronine

Answer 1

The correct option is D Peptides, polypeptides, proteins, steroids, amino-acid derivatives and iodothyronine

Hormones are generally made of proteins or lipids. Carbohydrates and nucleic acids generally do not act as hormones.
On the basis of their chemical nature, hormones can be divided into four different groups. The first group consists of peptide, polypeptide, protein hormones. Example for this group of hormones include insulin, glucagon, pituitary hormones, hypothalamic hormones etc.
The second group of hormones are steroid hormones. Example for this group are cortisol, testosterone, estradiol and progesterone. Iodothyronines are third group of hormones. Thyroid hormones belong to this category. The fourth group of hormones are amino acid derivatives. Example for such hormones is epinephrine.