What are the properties of hormones ? And how are they different from

What are the properties of hormones ? And how are they different from enzymes ?

Answer»

The properties of hormones are :

(i) They are synthesized and secreted by living glandular cells within the body.

(ii) They are transported by blood stream to serve as chemical messengers which act on target cells.

(iii) They do not provide energy but they do have effects on growth differentiation and metabolic activities of their target cells.

(iv) They are effective in low concentration. Their excess or deficiency leads to disorders.

(v) They may accelerate or inhibit physiological process.

Differences between Hormone and Enzyme:

S. No.	Hormone	Enzymes
(i)	They are produced at one site and are passed through blood to another site for action.	They may act at site where they are produced or carried to another site for action.
(ii)	They have low molecular weight.	They have high molecular weight.
(iii)	They may accelerate or retard the specific reactions.	They speed up the reactions.
(iv)	They are effective in low concentration.	They are effective in low concentration and can increase the reaction with an increase in the concentration.
(v)	Hormone controlled reactions are irreversible.	Enzyme controlled reactions are reversible.