Question

Define hormones N how are they classified. brief note about male n female steroid hormones​

Answer 1

Explanation:

Hormones are chemicals released by the body to control and regulate the activity of certain cells and organs. Special glands known as endocrine glands secrete these hormones.”

HORMONES | Steroid Hormones

The steroid hormones are the estrogens (female sex steroids), androgens (male sex steroids), progestins, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and vitamin D with its daughter metabolites.

Cell Signaling

The effects of hormones depend on how they are released. Hence, signalling effects can be classified into the following:

Endocrine: The hormone act on the target cells once it is released from the respective glands into the bloodstream.

Paracrine: The hormone act on a nearby cell without having to enter the blood circulation.

Autocrine: The hormone act on the cell that secreted it.

Intracrine: The hormone is produced in the cell and acts intracellularly.

Types of Hormones

To regulate various functions, different types of hormones are produced in the body. They are classified as follows:

Peptide Hormones

Steroid Hormones

Peptide Hormones

Peptide hormones are composed of amino acids and are soluble in water. Peptide hormones are unable to pass through the cell membrane as it contains a phospholipid bilayer that stops any fat-insoluble molecules from diffusing into the cell. Insulin is an important peptide hormone produced by the pancreas.

Steroid Hormones

Unlike peptide hormones, steroid hormones are fat-soluble and are able to pass through a cell membrane. Sex hormones such as testosterone, estrogen and progesterone are examples of steroid hormones.

Answer 2

In fish, estrogens are involved in several physiological functions, including (1) vitellogenin synthesis, (2) vitelline envelope (eggshell) protein production, (3) gonadal differentiation, (4) development of secondary sexual characteristics, (5) gonadotropin secretion, (6) synthesis of estrogen receptors, (7) pheromonal communication, (8) bone formation, and (9) calcium homeostasis. The enhanced production of the vitellogenin found in the blood of male and juvenile fish provides a useful biomarker of aquatic contamination by compounds with estrogenic activity.