Ch. 16 The Endocrine System

Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition

Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook

Marieb, Hoehn 11th Edition

Ch. 16 The Endocrine System

Problem 11

Chapter 16, Problem 11

Some hormones act by:
a. Increasing the synthesis of enzymes
b. Converting an inactive enzyme into an active enzyme
c. Affecting only specific target organs
d. All of these

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes by interacting with target cells.

Step 2: Analyze option (a): Increasing the synthesis of enzymes. Some hormones can stimulate cells to produce more enzymes by activating gene expression, leading to increased enzyme synthesis.

Step 3: Analyze option (b): Converting an inactive enzyme into an active enzyme. Certain hormones can activate enzymes already present in the cell by modifying them, such as through phosphorylation.

Step 4: Analyze option (c): Affecting only specific target organs. Hormones typically bind to receptors on specific target cells or organs, ensuring that their effects are localized and regulated.

Step 5: Conclude that since all these mechanisms are ways hormones act, the correct comprehensive answer is that hormones can act by all of these methods.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hormone Mechanisms of Action

Hormones influence cellular activity through various mechanisms, including increasing the synthesis of enzymes by stimulating gene expression, or activating existing enzymes by converting them from inactive to active forms. These mechanisms enable hormones to regulate metabolic processes efficiently.

Enzyme Activation and Synthesis

Hormones can either promote the production of new enzymes by enhancing protein synthesis or activate pre-existing enzymes through modification. This dual ability allows hormones to rapidly and specifically alter cellular functions in response to physiological needs.

Target Organ Specificity of Hormones

Hormones affect only specific target organs or cells that possess the appropriate receptors. This specificity ensures that hormonal signals produce precise physiological effects without widespread, non-specific actions throughout the body.

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Receptors at Target Organs

Related Practice

Textbook Question

If there is adequate carbohydrate intake, secretion of insulin results in:

a. Lower blood glucose levels

b. Increased cell utilization of glucose

c. Storage of glycogen

d. All of these

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Textbook Question

Describe the body location of each of the following endocrine organs: anterior pituitary, pineal gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands.

List the hormones produced by each organ.

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Textbook Question

If anterior pituitary secretion is deficient in a growing child, the child will

a. Develop acromegaly

b. Become a dwarf but have fairly normal body proportions

c. Mature sexually at an earlier than normal age

d. Be in constant danger of becoming dehydrated

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Textbook Question