BIOLOGY
Did you notice the situation in the picture?
Haven't we also had to face such
situations at times? What are the
preparations our body takes to face
unexpected situations?
$ ..................................................................
$ ..................................................................
$ names of hormones you know.
How do the cells of respective organs get
the direction for these preparations? Let
us examine.
It is the messages received by cells that
bring about changes in the activity of the
cells accordingly. You have already
understood that transmission of message
takes place in the body through nerves in
the form of electric signals. You also know
that the transmission of message from one
neuron to another takes place in the form
of chemical signals. Try to recall the
process of transmission of impulses
through synapses.
Chemical messengers
Haven't you heard of hormones? List the
....................................................................
Hormones are certain chemical substances
produced in the body. They play a
significant role in cell to cell
communication.
What are the major hormones that control
our physiological activities? Where are
they produced? Observe Figure 3.1 and
complete Table 3.1.
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 BIOLOGY

Hypothalamus Pineal
Hormones: Hormone:
Vasopressin, Oxytocin, Melatonin
Releasing hormones.

Pituitary
Hormones: Parathyroid
Growth Hormone, Prolactin, Hormone:
Tropic Hormones Parathormone
Thyroid
Hormones:
Thyroxine,
Calcitonin

Pancreas
Adrenal
Hormones:
Hormones:
Insulin, glucagon
Adrenaline,
Noradrenaline, Cortisol,
Aldosterone,
Sex hormones

Testis
(in male) Ovary
Hormone: (in female)
Testosterone Hormones:
Oestrogen, Progesterone

Fig - 3.1. Hormone producing glands

- Gland Location Hormone

Table - 3.1 Endocrine glands- Location and hormones

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 BIOLOGY

Is it now clear that hormones are produced in glands located in various parts of the
body? Most of the hormones do not act in the organs in which they are produced. The
secretions from these glands are discharged not through ducts but directly into the
blood stream. Hence hormone producing glands are called endocrine glands.
How do the hormones reach their site of action from these ductless glands? Observe
Figure 3.2.

Neurosecretory cells

Gland cells

Hormone molecules diffuse into

various target tissues.

Hormone molecules produced in

various glands diffuse into blood in
the capillaries.

Target tissues

Indications

Hormone Hormone
molecules receptors Fig. - 3.2. The mechanism by which hormones reach target tissues

Discuss with your friends how hormones are transported to target tissues. Note down
your inferences in the Science diary.
Why does each hormone act only in the corresponding target tissue? Analyse the
description.

Hormones at the Target Tissues

There are specific receptors for each hormone. Hormone receptors are found either on
the cell membrane or in the cytoplasm. Only the cells with specific receptors can accept
the respective hormone. Each hormone molecule combines with the respective receptor
to form a hormone-receptor complex. Following this the enzymes in the cells are activated.
Consequently changes occur in the function or structure of the cell.

35
BIOLOGY

Indicators influence metabolic reactions. Some others

How does each hormone recognize the
target tissue?
How do hormones influence cells?
Discuss with friends. Note down your
inferences. Present it in the class.
Different hormones regulate physiological
activities in different ways. Some hormones
help to maintain the salt-water balance.
Still others regulate the production of
certain other hormones.
Hormones in the Regulation of
Metabolism
What are the major hormones involved in
metabolism? What are their functions?
Examine Table 3.2.

Hormone Target tissue Effects

Adrenaline Most of the body Prepares the body to cope up with

tissues emergencies.
Noradrenaline
Breaks down protein, lipids etc. Produce
Cortisol Liver, lipid tissues glucose from amino acids, Stores glycogen
in the liver.

All tissues except the Lowers blood glucose level when it is

Insulin
nervous tissue increased

Glucagon Liver, muscles, lipid Increases blood glucose level when it is

tissues lowered

Most of the tissues

Thyroxine Increases the rate of metabolism, helps
especially muscles,
growth.
heart, liver and kidney

Somatotropin All body tissues Promotes growth

Table 3.2. Some metabolic hormones and their functions

Don't you want to know how these hormones act?

To Fight or Flight
Hope you remember the situation in the picture at the beginning of this lesson. It is the
activities of the sympathetic system that initiates responses in the body to face
emergency situations. But these responses are further carried by two hormones -
adrenaline and noradrenaline. Look at Figure 3.1. and find out from where these
hormones are secreted.
How do these hormones help to face emergencies? Analyse Figure 3.3.

36

Adrenal gland
Medulla
Cortex
Cortisol
Breaks down proteins, lipids etc.
Produces glucose from amino acids
Stores glycogen in the liver
Suppresses immune cells
Fig-3.3. Adrenal gland and hormones
Indicators
From which part of the adrenal gland
are adrenaline and noradrenaline
secreted?
How does the activity of these
hormones prepare the body to fight or
flight?
Which are the hormones secreted by the
cortex of the adrenal gland? What are
their functions?
Discuss and note down your inferences in
the Science diary.
Now you might have understood the
reason for the physiological changes that
take place when emotions like anger, fear,
joy, anxiety etc are felt. The action of
adrenaline and noradrenaline are more or
BIOLOGY
Adrenaline
increases heart beat
increases blood pressure
enhances blood flow to the limbs
elevates blood glucose level
Noradrenaline
Sex hormones Aldosterone
Regulate sexual Helps to maintain
development and salt-water balance.
functions
less similar. In normal situations
noradrenaline and in emergencies
adrenaline is secreted in excess. Hence
adrenaline is called emergency hormone.
Cortisol is helpful in preventing allergy
diseases and inflammation. Hence it is
given as medicine for diseases like
asthma and arthritis. But an excess use
of cortisol may increase blood sugar
level.
Regulation of Glucose Level
The blood glucose level is regulated
within the desired limits by two other
hormones. Where are they produced?
How do these hormones regulate blood
glucose level? Observe Illustration 3.1.
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 BIOLOGY

Insulin accelerates the process of intake

of glucose by cells. Glucose is converted
Insulin is produced by the to glycogen, lipids and proteins.
cells of the Islets of Langerhans
in the pancreas.
el
e lev l
when the os a
uc rm
glucose level Gl o no
t
rises
Blood glucose level 70-110mg/100ml
el When the
e lev l glucose level
s
co ma falls
glu o nor
t
The cells of the slets of
Glucagon converts Langerhans in the pancreas
glycogen and amino acids produce glucagon
to glucose

Illustration-3.1. Regulation of glucose level in blood

Indicators
Test to Detect Glucose in Urine
What is the normal level of glucose in
blood? Take 5 ml of Benedict's reagent in a test
tube. Add 8 drops of urine and boil for 2
How is the increase in blood glucose
minutes. Note the colour of the solution.
level regulated?
The solution will remain blue if the urine
How is the decrease in blood glucose does not contain glucose. And if glucose
level regulated? is present, depending on its
Discuss and record the inferences in your concentration, the solution will appear
Science diary. green, yellow, orange or red accordingly.
The percentage of glucose can be
Have you heard of diabetes? Diabetes
ascertained from the colour code in the
mellitus is a condition characterised by
label on the reagent bottle.
high blood glucose levels. The reason for
this is either the degeneration of the - Repeat the same test using water, with and
cells of the Islets of Langerhans or the without glucose. What is the colour
inactivity of insulin receptors. The disease difference noticed in these two
may also be caused by the production of experiments? Note it down.
inactive insulin. ....................................................................
In these patients the excess glucose is The Chief of Metabolic Regulation
eliminated through urine. Observe Figure 3.4
What might be the reason for this? Note What is the abnormality
down your inferences. seen in this woman? You
.................................................................... might have understood
Diabetes can be controlled through the causes and remedy for
medicines, diet control and insulin
Fig.-3.4.
injections.

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 BIOLOGY

this disease. What are they?

.....................................................................................................................
What is the importance of the thyroid gland? Examine the given description.

Thyroxine
Thyroxine is a hormone that influences metabolism in our body to a great extent. It is
synthesised by the thyroid gland. Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroxine.
Thyroxine is necessary for the proper breakdown of nutrients, production of energy,
growth of body, development and functioning of brain, working of heart etc. The condition
resulting from the deficiency of thyroxine is called hypothyroidism. Increase of body
weight and low energy production are characteristic of this condition. Low appetite and
lethargy may also result.
The deficiency of thyroxine retards mental and physical growth in children. This condition
is called cretinism. In adults the deficiency of thyroxine results in a disease called
myxoedema.
The condition of increased production of thyroxine is called hyperthyroidism. Due to this
energy production increases and body weight decreases. Other symptoms are increased
heart beat, increased appetite, shivering of hands and profuse sweating.
When the level of thyroxine becomes excessive, mental abnormalities may also occur in
addition to these symptoms. Eyes will protrude out. This condition is called exophthalmic
goitre.

Did you read the description? Prepare a Growth, Parturition, Lactation and
table depicting the health problems due Hormones
to over production and deficiency of
Somatotropin also known as growth
thyroxine.
hormone promotes the growth of the
Hypothyroidism can be rectified by using body. The variations in the production of
thyroxine tablets. Surgery and antithyroid this hormone in the anterior lobe of the
medicines are the remedy for bilobed pituitary gland adversely affects
hyperthyroidism. growth. Examine Table 3.3.

Hormone level Symptoms Disorder

Undersecretion of somatotropin Become dwarfs due to stunted Dwarfism
in children. growth of bones.
Oversecretion of somatotropin in Growing tall with a heavy body. Gigantism
children.
Oversecretion of somatotropin in Enlargement of internal organs and Acromegaly
adults. thickening of bones, especially in
hands,feet and face.
Table-3.3. Growth hormone disorders

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 BIOLOGY

Indicators the production of milk. This hormone is

What is the disorder caused by the
deficiency of growth hormone?
What if growth hormone increases?
Discuss with your friends. Note down
your inferences in the Science diary.
Oxytocin is the hormone which effects the
contraction of smooth muscles. Hence
oxytocin helps in facilitating child birth.
It also helps in the ejection of milk.
You know where oxytocin is synthesised.
It is stored in the posterior lobe of the
pituitary gland. Afterwards it is released
from the posterior lobe into the blood
stream as and when required.
Prolactin is the hormone which helps in
produced in the anterior lobe of the
pituitary.
Behind Sexual Characteristics
In your previous class you studied about
the role of sex hormones in causing body
changes during adolescence. You have
learnt from Figure 3.3. that sex hormones
are produced in the cortex of the adrenal
gland. In which organs are they produced
more?
....................................................................
Besides causing body changes, sex
hormones generally control reproductive
processes. Using indicators, examine
Table 3.4.

Reproductive organ Hormone Functions

Effects changes in body during adolescence,
Testosterone growth of sex organs, production of sperms.

Effects changes in body during adolescence,

Oestrogen growth of sex organs, production of ovum,
regulation of menstrual cycle.

Regulation of menstrual cycle, helps in pregnancy,

Progesterone maintenance of the embryo, development of uterus.

Table-3.4. Sex hormones

Indicators
Which is the male sex hormone? Where is it produced? What is its function?
Which are the female sex hormones? Where are they produced? How do they
influence the reproductive process?
Discuss in the class room and note down your inferences in the Science diary.

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 BIOLOGY

A Clock in Animals too! Hormones in Salt-Water Balance

Haven't you observed the rhythm in the
routine of animals? List a few examples.
Sleeping and waking up
Migration of animals
In order to maintain homeostasis in the
body, the levels of water and salts are to
be regulated within specific limits.
Vasopressin is the hormone which plays
a major role in preventing water loss

from the body. This is stored in the

posterior lobe of the pituitary. You
Aren't all these activities time-bound? know from where this hormone reaches
Melatonin is the hormone which helps to the pituitary, don't you?
maintain this circadian rhythm of
How does this hormone work? Observe
physiological activities. Look at Figure 3.1
Illustration 3.2. and try to understand the
and find out which gland secretes this
role of this hormone in preventing loss
hormone.
of water through urine.

More water is
reabsorbed into the
Production of blood from kidneys
vasopressin Loss of water
increases through urine
decreases

Situations which demand

less elimination of water
through urine

Water level of the body is optimal

Situations which demand

elimination of more water
through urine
Excess water is
eliminated Production of
through urine Reabsorption of vasopressin
water from the decreases
kidneys decreases

Illustration - 3.2. Regulation of water loss through urine

Indicators
What are the circumstances that demand reduction of water loss through urine?
How is water loss through urine reduced?
What are the situations which demand elimination of excess water through urine?
How is elimination of excess water through urine enhanced?
Discuss with your friends and note down the inferences in the Science diary.

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 BIOLOGY

Vasopressin is also known as Anti Diuretic produced?

hormone (ADH), as it reduces water loss
through urine. Deficiency of vasopressin
results in excessive loss of water through
urine. This condition is known as diabetes
insipidus.
Aldosterone is another hormone that
helps to maintain salt - water balance in
the body. In which gland is this hormone
Aldosterone maintains salt - water balance
in the body by restricting the loss of Na+
ions and by promoting the elimination of
K+ ions through sweat, urine, etc.
Blood calcium level is regulated due to
the antagonistic action of two hormones.
Observe Illustration 3.3.

deposited filtered and removed

Bone Kidney
Calcium Blood Calcium

retrieved reabsorbed
Calcium

absorbed in plenty eliminated through eliminated

secretions through urine

Intestine

eliminated through faeces

Illustration-3.3. Regulation of blood calcium level

Indicators
When blood calcium level decreases, how is it reinstated?
When blood calcium level increases, how is it reduced?
Discuss with your friends. Note down the inferences.
Calcitonin is the hormone that restricts the increase of blood calcium level while the
hormone parathormone prevents the decrease. You know that these hormones are
produced in different glands. In what way might these hormones act? Discuss.
Based on the inferences, complete Illustration 3.4.

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 BIOLOGY

.............................. Calcium ............

gland produces ..................................
................................ .......................................
.................................... ..................................
.....................
increases
When

Calcium level in blood 10-12mg/100ml

decreases
When
..............................
Calcium ............ gland produces
.................................. ................................
....................................... ................................
.................................. .................................
..................... .....................

Illustration - 3.4. The role of hormones in regulating the blood calcium level

Overproduction of parathormone makes the bones fragile. It increases the chances of

stone formation in the urinary tract.
Due to the deficiency of parathormone, a condition called tetany develops. Muscle
spasms resulting from decreased blood calcium level is the common symptom of tetany.
Haven't you understood how the levels of salt and water are regulated in the body?
Prepare a table showing the role of hormones in salt-water balance and display it in
the class room.

Hormone Function
Vasopressin

Table-3.5. The role of hormones in maintaining salt-water balance

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Hormones behind Hormones

Certain glands secrete hormones when they are stimulated by certain other hormones.
Such stimulating hormones are also called tropic hormones. Observe Figure 3.5.

Pituitary gland (anterior lobe)

Pituitary gland (posterior lobe)

GTH
Growth Prolactin
TSH ACTH
hormone

Different
body
tissues

A B C D E F

TSH - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

ACTH - Adreno Cortico Tropic Hormone
GTH - Gonado Tropic Hormone

Fig-3.5. Relationship between pituitary gland and other endocrine glands

Indicators What are the hormones other than

Which glands do the letters A,B,C,D
indicate?
Which are the hormones that stimulate
these glands?
From where are these stimulating
hormones secreted?
Which might be the hormones whose
secretion is influenced by these
stimulating hormones?
stimulating hormones secreted from
the pituitary? What might be their
functions?
Discuss with your friends and note
down your inferences in the Science
diary.
What is the stimulus behind the
secretion of stimulating hormones?
Observe Figure 3.6.

44
 BIOLOGY

cerebrum
Neurosecretory cells
Produce releasing Produce oxytocin and
hormones vasopressin

hypothalamus medulla
oblongata
cerebellum

artery

Portal vein:
Transports releasing
hormones through
blood. Nerve fibres
Transports
Anterior lobe of the vasopressin and
Pituitary: oxytocin.
Produces
stimulating Posterior lobe of the
hormones under the Pituitary:
stimulus of Stores the hormones
releasing hormones received through the
vein
axons.
hormone secreting cells
artery

capillary capillary
network network

Fig - 3.6. Relationship between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland

Indicators
How do the releasing hormones reach
the pituitary gland?
How do the releasing hormones
influence the action of other glands?
Discuss and arrive at inferences and note
them down in the Science diary.
Besides the releasing hormones, the
hypothalamus also produces certain
hormones which inhibit the secretion of
hormones from certain glands. They are
called inhibitory hormones. It is through
the combined action of these two groups
of hormones that the functions of most of
the endocrine glands are properly
regulated.

45
 BIOLOGY

Hormones as Regulators of Homeostasis

The body overcomes changes in the external or internal environment by controlling
and coordinating physiological activities accordingly. The function of hormones is to
prepare the body for this.
Analyse Illustration 3.5. using the information you have gained.

Homeostasis
maintained

Physiological Changes occur

activities are in the internal
regulated environment

Hormone
production
increases/
decreases

Illustration-3.5.
Regulation of homoeostasis- Through hormones

Indicators Harmonious Coexistence

What are the situations which lead to How much does the coexistence of neural
changes in homeostasis? and chemical communicative systems
How is homeostasis reinstated? help in maintaining homeostasis? You
Discuss and prepare notes. might have noticed that these two systems
sometimes regulate one and the same
.................................................................... activity. Complete Table 3.6. which
compares similar activities of the adrenal
gland and the sympathetic system.

Adrenal gland Sympathetic System

1. Dilates the pupil
2.
3.
Table-3.6. The adrenal gland and the sympathetic system - Comparison of activity

46

The responses of the nervous system are
quick. Hence it is the nervous system
which enables sudden responses. But
these responses will not stay long. The
endocrine system produces responses
only slowly. These responses will stay
longer. The importance of the
complementary action of both the systems
can be understood from this. Endocrine
glands generally act in accordance with
neural impulses. You have seen how the
autonomous nervous system controls
activities of the adrenal gland and how the
hypothalamus regulates activity of the
pituitary. In this way neural and chemical
communication systems act harmoniously
to maintain homeostasis.
Pheromones
Some organisms release certain chemical
substances to the surroundings. These
chemical substances are called
pheromones. Only members of the same
species can recognise the pheromones
they produce. Such organisms make use
of pheromones as a means of communi-
cation.
Organisms produce pheromones for
various purposes. The following are some
examples:
BIOLOGY
to give alarm
to detect locomotory pathways
to demarcate territory
to indicate presence
to attract mates
It is the pheromones which help ants to
move in rows through definite tracks.
Civetone produced by the civet cat,
muscone produced by the musk deer,
bombycol produced by female silk worm
moth etc. are pheromones which attract
mates. The technique of attracting and
killing pests utilizing such pheromones
or chemicals having similar composition
is called pheromone trap.
Messengers in Plants
You know that there is no neural
communication in plants. All physiological
activities in them are regulated chemically.
Specific chemical substances produced by
meristematic cells located at different plant
parts effect this regulation. They are called
phytohormones. Through phytohormones,
cells are given messages to influence
various growth phases like cell division,
cell growth and cell differentiation. Hence
plant hormones are also known as growth
substances.
Which are the major plant hormones? How
do they function? Examine Table 3.7.
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 BIOLOGY

Plant Hormones Source Functions

Germinating seeds, stem Play a major role in the dominance of terminal
Auxins tips, root tips, leaves, bud, elongation of stem cells, growth of lateral
leafbuds. roots, growth of plumule and radicle,
production of female flowers etc.
promoters

Produced at the tips of the Helps in accelerating cell growth and cell
Growth

Cytokinins root and transport division, the germination of seeds, prevents

through xylem to different the dropping of flowers and leaves.
parts of the plant

Germinating seeds, Helps in the germination of seeds, breaking

Gibberellins embryo, buds, tender down of stored food in germinating seeds,
leaves, stem and root tips sprouting of leaves, elongation of stem, cell
division, growth etc.

Ethylene Produced in roots and

Prevents cell division; causes maturation and
diffuse to other parts of ripening of leaves and fruit.
inhibitors

the plant
Growth

Abscisic acid Produced in mature Prevents cell division and cell growth, causes
leaves and transported to the dropping of mature leaves and ripe fruits;
other plant parts helps in the dormancy of seeds and buds.

Table-3.7. Different plant hormones-Their source and functions

Indicators in the Science diary.

Which are the major plant hormones?
Where is each hormone produced?
Which are the hormones promoting
growth? How do they act?
Which are the plant hormones that
prevent growth? How do they act?
Discuss with friends and note them down
You have learnt about the different types
of movement shown by plants. Plant
hormones have an important role in most
of these movements.
The Chemistry of Growing bent
Why does the stem grow bent towards
light? Observe Figure 3.8.

auxin molecule

cells

A B C
Fig-3.8. Role of auxins in positive phototropism

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 BIOLOGY

Indicators Discuss in groups and form inferences.

How did the presence of light influence ....................................................................
the distribution of auxin molecules at The activity of auxin in the cells of the
the stem tip? taproot is just opposite to that in the stem.
How did auxin influence the There they check cell elongation.
elongation of cells at the stem tip? Complete the Figure 3.9 illustrating the
What variation occurred in the growth role of auxins in negative phototropism,
of stem? Figure 3.9.

A B C
Fig-3.9. Role of auxins in negative phototropism

Prepare an explanatory note for the illustration.

....................................................................................................................................
Synthetic Plant Hormones
Haven't you seen the plantain being smoked for ripening? This is a traditional way of
utilizing plant hormones. Which component of smoke enables ripening?
Today chemical compounds with similar composition of plant hormones are artifically
synthesised and used widely in the agricultural sector. Examine Table 3.8.

Artificial plant hormones Uses

NAA (Naphthalene Acetic acid) To sprout roots on stem, to induce fruiting
IBA (Indol Butyric Acid) To prevent sprouting of potatoes and dropping
of premature fruits
2, 4 - D Destruction of weeds
Ethylene To induce flowering in plants and ripening of
fruits
Ethyphon To increase latex production in rubber
Table-3.8. Some synthetic plant hormones and their uses

49
 BIOLOGY

Synthetic plant hormones are of great use on a commercial basis to ripen fruits like
orange, mango etc in bulk and for simultaneous flowering in pineapple farms, and
also for promoting the production of female flowers in cucumber species plants.
However, the application of these require caution.
Notice the newspaper cuttings.

o
g es to ces
n n
in Ora al substa used
in ic ca
Tox tain chemoranges blems
o
: Cer ening er pr
Tvm for rip and oth r
used rrhoea Uneasiness afte
dia
eating mangoes
pe op le w ho at e
Va da ka ra : M an y
mangoes suffered
artificially ripened
headache
from vomitting and

Isn't the reason behind these problems clear? Sometimes the residues of compounds
used to ripen fruits may cause health problems. Unscientific use of weedicides may
destroy other plants too. Due to these factors synthetic plant hormones are to be used
with utmost care.
Hope you have learnt that in all living organisms including animals and plants, the
role played by chemical messages in controlling life activities is very significant. The
new knowledge about the structure and mode of action of hormones has been
contributing much for a healthy life and for the development of the agricultural and
industrial sectors.

50
 BIOLOGY

Follow up Activities
1. Observe the illustration and answer the questions given below.
A. Small intestine B. Liver

Amino acids
F. Brain cells
Glucose glycogen
Lipids

Depends only on glucose for

energy. Accepts glucose from C. Muscles
blood according to need. But
does not store glycogen.
Stores glucose, but do
not release it to blood.
E. Other body tissues
D.
Glucose Glycogen

a. What is the normal level of glucose in blood?

b. What are the additional services rendered by B in the regulation of blood glucose
level when compared to E?
c. Which endocrine gland is indicated by the letter D?
d. Write briefly two important aspects regarding the gland D.
e. Which is the organ most adversely affected by lower levels of blood glucose?
2. Observe the figure and answer the questions:-
a. Which endocrine glands are indicated
by C and E?
Blood b. What is the normal level of calcium in
Calcium the blood?
A B c. Which hormone is produced by C?
d. A hormone secreted from E does not
match with the concept in the picture.
Which is it?
e. Explain the role of C and E in relation
E C with A and B in the regulation of
D calcium level in blood.

51