Types of Hormones

❖ They have difficulty entering the cell membrane so they bind to extracellular receptors
on the cell surface instead
➢ When they bind, they form hormone-receptor complexes which can cause
reactions inside the cell
■ E.g. protein synthesis, activation/deactivation of enzymes, cell
growth/division, permeability of the cell membrane)
❖ A single hormone can have multiple affect within a cell
❖ Incretin hormones, pituitary glands
➢ Most of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland fall under this category

Steroid hormones

❖ Derived from a lipid called cholesterol

➢ Functional groups on the hormone change its function and how it behaves
➢ They are produced in the adrenal cortex, the gonads and the placenta
❖ Since they are derived from cholesterol, they can easily diffuse through the phospholipid
bilayer
➢ They bind to intracellular receptors which forms a hormone receptor complex
➢ These hormones usually directly affect DNA transcription and translation,
simulating or inhibiting protein synthesis

Amide Hormones

❖ Derived from the amino acid Tyrosine

➢ They're modified so that a carboxyl group is removed whereas the amine group
remains
➢ Additional modifications determine the function and the behavior of the
hormone
❖ Thyroid hormones are amine hormones produced in the thyroid
➢ They’re lipid-soluble so they diffuse through the cell membrane
➢ Contrary to steroid hormones they bind to receptors at the DNA (forms
hormone-receptor complexes prior to reaching the DNA?)
❖ Examples include: melatonin

Incretin hormone

❖ Incretin hormones are peptide hormones that simulation the secretion of insulin from the
pancreas
➢ An example of this glucagon like peptide 1( GLP-1) which stimulates insulin
production and inhibits glucagon production (glucagon raises blood sugar)
➢ Individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes often have an impaired ability to
properly produce incretin hormones which leads to a reduced production of
insulin