The creation of a hormone is an example of
a. anabolism.
b. catabolism.
c. hemopoiesis.
d. homeostasis.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. anabolism.
Anabolism refers to the set of metabolic processes that build larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy input. The creation of a hormone falls under this category because it involves the synthesis of complex molecules, such as proteins or peptides, from simpler building blocks like amino acids. In the case of hormones like insulin or thyroid hormones, the body uses smaller molecules to form larger ones, such as polypeptides, which are then released into the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes.
This process requires energy, usually in the form of ATP, which drives the reactions that link these small molecules together to form a functional hormone. For example, in the endocrine system, glands like the pancreas or thyroid use the process of anabolism to create hormones like insulin or thyroxine. These hormones then help to regulate functions such as metabolism, growth, and homeostasis.
In contrast, catabolism is the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy. This is the opposite of anabolism, and processes like digestion, where large food molecules are broken down into smaller components, fall into this category.
Hemopoiesis, on the other hand, refers to the production of blood cells in the bone marrow, not the creation of hormones. Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes, and while hormone creation contributes to homeostasis, it is not the same process.
Thus, the creation of a hormone is an anabolic process, because it builds complex molecules from simpler components, and requires energy to synthesize those molecules.