Chemical Coordination and Regulation

Chemical Coordination and Regulation

Properties of hormones

(a) These are secreted by endocrine gland (biogenic in origin).

(b) Their secretions is released directly into blood (except local hormones e.g. gastrin).

(c) These are carried to distantly locate specific organs, called target organ.

(d) These have specific physiological action (excitatory or inhibatory). These co-ordinate different physical, mental and metabolic activities and maintain homeostasis.

(e) The hormones have low molecular weight e.g. ADH has a molecular weight of 600–2000 daltons.

(f) These act in very low concentration e.g. around10–10 molar.

(g) Hormones are non antigenic.

(h) These are mostly short-lived. So have a no camulative effect.

(i) Some hormones are quick acting e.g. adrenalin, while some acting slowly e.g. ostrogen of ovary.

(j) Some hormones secreted in inactive form called Prohormone e.g. Pro-insulin.

(k) Hormones are specific. They are carriers of specific information to their specific target organ. Only those target cell respond to a particular hormone for which they have receptors.