Classification of Hormones Flashcards

Study Notes

Chemical Classification of Hormones

Hormones are classified into three main categories: amino acid derivatives, peptide hormones, and lipid derivatives.

Amino Acid Derivatives

Synthesized from amino acids in simple steps.
Example: Epinephrine, derived from tyrosine, is released from the adrenal medulla.

Derivatives of Tyrosine

Includes thyroid hormones and catecholamines like epinephrine.
Tyrosine sources: meat, dairy, and fish.

Classes of Amino Acid Derivative Hormones

Consist of derivatives of tyrosine and derivatives of tryptophan.

Derivatives of Tryptophan

Mainly melatonin.
Tryptophan sources: turkey, chocolate, oats, bananas, dried dates, milk, cottage cheese, and peanuts.

Peptide Hormones

Composed of chains of amino acids, often synthesized as prohormones.
Prohormones can be converted to active hormones before or after secretion.

Glycoproteins

Large hormones composed of more than 200 amino acids with carbohydrate side chains.

Short Polypeptides/Small Proteins

Varied group includes short chain polypeptides (9 amino acids) and small proteins (up to 198 amino acids).

Lipid Derivatives

Two main classes: eicosanoids and steroid hormones.

Eicosanoids

Derived from arachidonic acid, affecting cellular activities and enzymatic processes.
Prostaglandins play a critical role in coordinating local cellular activities.

Steroid Hormones

Originating from cholesterol, released by reproductive organs.
Testes produce androgens; ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone.
Produced by adrenal cortex (corticosteroids) and kidneys (calcitriol).
Steroid hormones bind to specific transport proteins, allowing longer circulation than peptide hormones.

Endocrine System

Comprises organs dedicated to hormone or paracrine factor production.
Hormones transported in extracellular fluid or bloodstream to target cells.

Structural Classification of Hormones

Divided into amino acid derivatives (thyroid hormones, catecholamines, tryptophan derivatives), peptide hormones (glycoproteins or short polypeptide chains), and lipid derivatives (eicosanoids, steroid hormones).

Hypothalamus Control

Functions to integrate the activities of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Regulatory Hormones

Special hormones secreted by the hypothalamus that manage activity in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

Releasing Hormones vs. Inhibiting Hormones

Releasing hormones stimulate hormone release, while inhibiting hormones prevent it.
Example: Prolactin-inhibiting hormone stops the release of prolactin.
TSH stimulates the release of T1 and T2 from the thyroid, regulated by the hypothalamus based on T1 and T2 levels.

Description

Explore the different categories of hormones with these flashcards. Learn about amino acid derivatives, peptide hormones, and lipid derivatives, along with examples and synthesis processes. Perfect for students focusing on endocrinology or biology.

Classification of Hormones Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the chemical categorization of hormones?

What are amino acid derivatives?

What are the derivatives of tyrosine?

What are the classes of amino acid derivative hormones?

What are derivatives of tryptophan?

What are peptide hormones?

What are glycoproteins?

What are the two classes of lipid derivatives?

What are eicosanoids derived from?

What are steroid hormones derived from?

What is the endocrine system?

What is the structural classification of hormones?

What does the hypothalamus control?

What is a regulatory hormone?

What is the difference between releasing hormones and inhibiting hormones?