Question

Write a short note on hormones.

Answer 1

Hormones regulate various biological activities including growth, development, reproduction, energy use and storage, and water and electrolyte balance. They are molecules that act as chemical messengers in the body's endocrine system. Hormones are produced by certain organs and glands and are secreted into the blood or other bodily fluids. Most hormones are carried by the circulatory system to different areas, where they influence specific cells and organs.

Hormones can be classified into two main types: peptide hormones and steroid hormones.

1) Peptide Hormones - These protein hormones are composed of amino acids. Peptide hormones are water-soluble and are unable to pass through a cell membrane.

2) Steroid Hormones - They are lipid-soluble and able to pass through the cell membrane to enter a cell. Steroid hormones bind to receptor cells in the cytoplasm, and the receptor-bound steroid hormones are transported into the nucleus.