What are hormones? Name the hormone secreted by thyroid and state its function.
What are hormones? Name the hormone secreted by thyroid and state its function.
Hormones are chemical substances secreted in very small quantities by endocrine glands (or specialized cells) that act as chemical messengers to coordinate and regulate various physiological processes, metabolism, and growth in living organisms.
The hormone secreted by the thyroid gland is thyroxine.
Function of thyroxine: It regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism in the body so as to provide the best balance for growth.
Marking Scheme
- 1Definition of hormones as chemical substances/messengers that coordinate physiological processes (1 mark)
- 2Naming the hormone 'thyroxine' and stating its function of regulating carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism for balanced growth (1 mark)
Hint
Hormones are chemical messengers. The thyroid gland requires iodine to synthesize its hormone, which regulates the metabolism of nutrients.
Quick Oral Answer
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands. The thyroid gland secretes thyroxine, which regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to ensure balanced growth.
Analysis & Explanation
Hormones are the primary agents of chemical communication in multicellular organisms. Unlike electrical impulses, which only reach cells connected by nervous tissue, hormones diffuse through the body to reach all cells, coordinating long-term changes like growth and metabolism.
The thyroid gland, located in the neck region, secretes the hormone thyroxine. Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland to synthesize thyroxine. This hormone plays a critical role in regulating the basal metabolic rate by controlling how carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are metabolized, ensuring balanced development and growth of the body.
Common Mistakes
- 1Spelling 'thyroxine' incorrectly.
- 2Vaguely stating the function of thyroxine as 'helps in growth' without mentioning its specific role in regulating carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.
- 3Confusing hormones with enzymes.
Interesting Facts
Iodized salt is highly recommended in our diet because iodine is a key component of thyroxine. A deficiency of iodine in our diet can lead to goitre, a condition characterized by a visibly swollen neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2010?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2010 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Control and Coordination" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Hormones in Animals" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2010 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2010 paper.