HORMONES AND

VITAMINS
GROUP 4 PRESENTATION.
GROUP MEMBERS

Brian Giteya
Ron kipkorir
Abel Rop3
Yiamat Tina
Sewasw Fisseha
Honestina Onkoba
Mitchelle Mumo
Joshua Ngure
Janes Muthoni
Titilia Jenny
OBJECTIVES

•Discuss the structure, function and

properties of biomolecules…that is
hormones and vitamins.
INTRODUCTION

• Hormones and Vitamins: Tiny Chemical Messengers with big

jobs.
• Hormones and vitamins are essential biomolecules that play
crucial roles in regulating various physiological processes
within our bodies. Though often grouped together, they differ in
their origins, chemical structures, and specific functions.
HORMONES.

• Structure: Chemical messengers produced by

specialized glands and released directly into the
bloodstream. They can be peptides, proteins,
steroids, or other types of signaling molecules.
PROPERTIES OF HORMONES

• They target specific tissues or organs that have receptors for

them, triggering a cascade of biochemical reactions within the
cell .This specifcity ensures that each hormone exerts its effects
on designated tissues. They can have widespread effects
throughout the body, influencing growth, development,
metabolism, reproduction, and more.
 SOME KEY HORMONES INCLUDE:

• *Insulin:* Regulates glucose levels in the blood.

• *Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3),* produced by the thyroid gland, regulate metabolism and
affect growth and development.
• *Cortisol:* Produced by the adrenal glands, it has a central role in stress responses and metabolism.
• *Estrogen and Progesterone:* Key female sex hormones involved in reproductive processes and
secondary sexual characteristics.
• *Testosterone:* The principal male sex hormone, also involved in reproductive and sexual functions
and muscle mass.
• *Growth Hormone:* Stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration.
• *Leptin:* Helps to regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger.
 FUNCTIONS OF HORMONES.

• Growth and development: Hormones like growth hormone,

insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and thyroid hormones
regulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.
• Metabolism: Hormones like insulin and glucagon control blood
sugar levels by regulating carbohydrate, fat, and protein
metabolism.
CONTINUATION

• Reproduction: Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and

testosterone are essential for sexual development, menstruation,
and fertility.
• Stress response: Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline help the
body respond to stress and danger.
OTHER FUNCTIONS

Hormones also regulate:

• Mood
• sleep
• water balance
• temperature
and many other vital processes.
VITAMINS

• Structure: Organic compounds essential for various

bodily functions but cannot be synthesized by the body
in sufficient amounts. They must be obtained from the
diet. Vitamins can be classified as fat-soluble (A, D, E,
K) or water-soluble (C, B vitamins).
PROPERTIES OF VITAMINS

• Do not directly participate in biochemical

reactions but act as cofactors, helping enzymes
function properly.
• Each vitamin has specific functions related to its
unique chemical structure.
CONTINUATION

• Vitamins are divided into 2:

1. Water soluble
These travel freely through the body. The part that the body
doesn't use passes through the kidneys and leaves the body as
urine or stool. The body needs water-soluble vitamins in frequent,
small doses. They aren't likely to reach toxic levels.
• 2. Fat soluble vitamins.
These are stored in the body's cells. They are not passed
out of the body as easily as water-soluble vitamins. Fat-
soluble vitamins can reach toxic levels if you get more
than you need.
FUNCTIONS OF VITAMINS
WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS

*Vitamin B Complex:* Includes B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3

(niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9
(folate), and B12 (cobalamin). They play a vital role in energy
production and the formation of red blood cells.
*Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):* Important for the growth, development,
and repair of all body tissues, immune function, and absorption of
iron.
FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS

• *Vitamin A:* Essential for vision, the immune system, and

reproduction. It also helps the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other
organs work properly.
• *Vitamin D:* Helps the body absorb calcium, which is critical
for bone formation. Also affects immune function and
inflammation.
• - *Vitamin E:* Has antioxidant properties and is
important for the health of the skin and eyes, and
protects cells from damage.
• *Vitamin K:* Necessary for blood clotting and bone
metabolism.
THE END