AEMCA Practice Exam

What are the two forms that hormones can come in?

1. Proteins and carbohydrates.

2. Amino acids and steroids.

3. Fats and sugars.

4. Water and electrolytes.

The correct answer is: Amino acids and steroids.

Hormones can indeed be classified into two primary forms based on their chemical structure: amino acids and steroids. Amino acid-derived hormones are made from various configurations of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. An example of such a hormone is adrenaline, which plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response. These hormones are typically water-soluble, allowing them to travel freely through the bloodstream and bind to receptors on the surface of target cells, initiating a response. Steroid hormones, on the other hand, are derived from cholesterol and have a distinct lipid structure. They include hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol. Unlike amino acid-derived hormones, steroid hormones are lipid-soluble, meaning they can easily cross the cell membrane to bind to receptors inside the cell. This capability allows them to influence gene expression directly and affect cellular function in a more prolonged manner. The other options, including proteins and carbohydrates, fats and sugars, and water and electrolytes, do not accurately represent the primary forms of hormones. While proteins can act as hormones, they are not a distinct category separate from amino acids. Similarly, fats and sugars, as well as water and electrolytes, do not function as hormones in the endocrine system.