Question
(a) Name one animal and one plant hormone with their site of secretion. (b) What are the general functions of hormones?
Answer
(a) Animal hormone: Insulin, secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets in the pancreas. Plant hormone: Auxin, primarily secreted by the shoot apical meristem (growing tip of the plant).
(b) Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes in organisms. Their general functions include:
- Coordination and regulation of growth and development
- Maintaining homeostasis, or internal balance, within the body
- Regulating metabolic processes and energy production
- Facilitating response and adaptation to environmental changes and stressors
- Mediating communication between cells, tissues, and organs
- Influencing reproductive processes, sexual development, and behaviours
