Insulin Is An Example Of A Peptide Hormone. Insulin Is Also An Example Of A: O Membrane Transporter. O Ligand. Substrate. O Receptor. Submit Request Answer
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is “Peptide Hormone”.
Insulin is an example of a peptide hormone. Peptide hormones are a type of hormone made up of amino acid chains. These hormones are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and then processed in the Golgi apparatus before being secreted into the bloodstream. Insulin, specifically, is produced in the beta cells of the pancreas and is involved in regulating glucose metabolism.
Insulin’s primary function is to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. It does this by binding to insulin receptors on the cell membrane, which activates a signaling cascade that promotes the insertion of glucose transporter proteins (specifically GLUT4) into the cell membrane. These transporters allow glucose to enter cells, particularly muscle, liver, and fat cells, where it is either used for energy or stored as glycogen or fat.
Peptide hormones like insulin are water-soluble and do not require a carrier protein to travel through the bloodstream, unlike steroid hormones. Instead, they rely on receptors on target cells to trigger specific cellular responses. Insulin is produced and released by the pancreas in response to rising blood glucose levels, such as after eating. This is part of a negative feedback system, ensuring that blood glucose levels remain within a healthy range.
In contrast to membrane transporters (such as glucose transporters), insulin is a signaling molecule. While transporters help move substances like glucose across membranes, insulin acts as a “key” that unlocks the mechanisms for glucose uptake. It is not a transporter itself but plays a crucial role in enabling the transport of glucose into cells.
In summary, insulin is a peptide hormone that regulates glucose homeostasis and plays an essential role in metabolism but is not classified as a membrane transporter.