Classification of hormones derived from amino acids in detail.

Hormones derived from amino acids can be classified into three main categories: catecholamines, thyroid hormones, and peptide hormones.

1. Catecholamines:
Catecholamines are hormones derived from the amino acid tyrosine. They include hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine. These hormones are produced by the adrenal glands and play a key role in the body's response to stress. Catecholamines are involved in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism, as well as the fight or flight response.

2. Thyroid hormones:
Thyroid hormones are derived from the amino acid tyrosine as well, but they are produced by the thyroid gland. The main thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development. They also help to maintain body temperature and energy levels. Thyroid hormones are essential for normal growth and development in children, as well as for maintaining overall health in adults.

3. Peptide hormones:
Peptide hormones are derived from larger protein molecules and are made up of chains of amino acids. These hormones are produced by various glands in the body, including the pituitary gland, pancreas, and hypothalamus. Examples of peptide hormones include insulin, glucagon, growth hormone, and oxytocin. Peptide hormones play a wide range of roles in the body, including regulating blood sugar levels, growth and development, and reproductive functions. They also play a key role in the body's response to stress and inflammation.

Overall, hormones derived from amino acids play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in the body and maintaining overall health and well-being.

Classification of Hormones Derived from Amino Acids

Hormones derived from amino acids are classified into three major groups based on their chemical structure and the amino acid precursors from which they are synthesized:

1. Monoamines

- Derived from single amino acids
- Have a single NH2 group in their structure

a) Catecholamines:
- Precursor: Tyrosine
- Examples: Epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), dopamine

b) Serotonin:
- Precursor: Tryptophan
- Functions in mood, appetite, and sleep-wake cycle

c) Melatonin:
- Precursor: Tryptophan
- Regulates sleep-wake cycle

2. Peptides and Polypeptides

- Derived from a chain of amino acids
- Range in size from a few amino acids to over 100 amino acids

a) Hypothalamic Releasing Hormones (RHs):
- Small peptides that regulate the release of pituitary hormones
- Examples: Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

b) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH):
- Also known as vasopressin
- Regulates water balance
- Composed of 9 amino acids

c) Growth Hormone (GH):
- Large polypeptide
- Promotes growth and development
- Composed of 191 amino acids

3. Amino Acid-Derived Hormones

- Not synthesized from amino acids but are derived from modified amino acids
- Classified based on their structure and function

a) Thyroid Hormones:
- Derived from tyrosine
- Regulate metabolism
- Examples: Thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3)

b) Epinephrine Derivatives:
- Derived from epinephrine
- Examples: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

c) Nitric Oxide (NO):
- Derived from arginine
- Acts as a local signaling molecule with roles in vasodilation, neurotransmission, and immune function