Question

What are the properties of hormones?

Answer 1

1. They are chemical regulators produced by ductless glands called endocrine glands.
2. They are released in the blood stream directly by the endocrine glands.
3. They are produced in one organ, but influence the functioning of other organs.
4. They are required in minute quantities.
5. They are highly specific in their targets and action. Although they all the organs through the blood- stream, they influence only a specific organ, i.e. target organ (because of the presence of specific receptors on them).
6. Chemically, they are proteins, amines or peptides.
7. They bring about a slow and prolonged effect on the target organs, in contrast to the nervous system which is quick and short-lived. (Exception is Adrenaline which is quick acting).
8. They have low molecular weight, hence diffuse easily from one cell to another.