Hormones

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Genetic Engineering of bacteria
Functions controlled by hormones include:

• Activities of entire organs

• Growth of development
• Reproduction
• Sexual characteristics
• Usage and storage of energy
• Levels of fluid, salt and sugar in the blood
 Definition :
• Glands : A group of cells which produces and
releases (secretion) a specific chemical
substance. Endocrine glands secrete their
hormones directly into the blood stream

• Hormone : Specific chemical substance

secreted from glands that are used to carry
information from 1 part of the mammal’s
body to the another.
 Action of hormones
• Hormones are found in small quantities in the
blood but they have lasting effects on the target
organs.

• Some hormones have diffused widespread

effects, affecting many cells /organs. E.g.
Growth hormone

• Some act more directly. E.g. adrenaline increases

heart rate
 Action of hormones
• Some hormones affect long term changes
such as growth rate, pregnancy and puberty.

• Hormones have a very short life span.

• Immediately after the hormone carries out its

action, they are broken down by enzymes in
the blood or in the liver and are excreted in
the urine.
 Why do hormones need to be broken
down immediately after their action?

• If not, the hormones will continue to influence

the activity of the cell.
Adrenaline
 Adrenaline
• Adrenal glands are found one above each kidney.
• The inner medulla region receives nerves from
the brain and produces the hormone adrenaline.
(the outer cortex layer produces corticosteroids)
• In a stressful situation, nerve impulses are sent to
the adrenal medulla which secretes adrenaline
into the blood stream. It prepares you for a ‘fight
or flight’ response.
• Adrenaline’s actions are very rapid and lasts only
for a short time.
Target organ Effects of Biological advantage Sensation
adrenaline
Heart Thumping
heart

Breathing centre Faster and panting

of the brain deeper
breathing
Arterioles of the Less blood for these areas Hollow feeling
skin and allows more blood to reach
digestive system the muscle
Muscles of the Relax Hollow feeling
digestive system
Skeletal muscles Ready for immediate action Tense feeling
Liver Conversion of Nil
glycogen to
glucose
Conversion of Fatty acids available in Nil
fats to fatty blood for muscle contraction
acids
Target organ Effects of Biological advantage Sensation
adrenaline
Heart Beats faster Increased oxygen and Thumping
glucose to the muscle for heart
contraction
Breathing centre Faster and Increased oxygenation panting
of the brain deeper and rapid removal of
breathing carbon dioxide
Arterioles of the Constriction Less blood for these areas Hollow feeling
skin and allows more blood to reach
digestive system the muscle
Muscles of the Relax Less peristalsis and more Hollow feeling
digestive system energy available for action
Skeletal muscles Tensed Ready for immediate action Tense feeling
Liver Conversion of More glucose available in Nil
glycogen to the blood for energy
glucose production
Fat deposits (fat Conversion of Fatty acids available in Nil
depots) fats to fatty blood for muscle contraction
acids
 Industrial uses of hormones
• Hormones injected into animals to fatten
them up
• Hormones injected into cows to increase milk
production
Other uses/abuses of hormones

•Steroid abuse by
athletes to build
muscles beyond
what the body can
normally do to
enhance
performance.
 Other uses/abuses of hormones
• Oestrogen used to prevent the thinning of bones
(osteoporosis) in women after menopause.
• Progesterone and oestrogen form the basis of
the contraceptive pill.
• Injection of insulin to treat Type I diabetes
(usually in juveniles).
• Pituitary growth hormone can be used to
promote the growth of abnormally small
children.