Final answer:
To localize hormones, scientists use antibodies with detectable labels, while techniques like mass spectrometry and chromatography are used to quantify hormone concentrations in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
To localize and quantify hormones, scientists typically use various laboratory techniques like radioimmunoassay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, in situ hybridization can identify and quantitate the mRNA from which hormones originate and even locate the transcripts within cells.
When localizing hormones, scientists might use specific antibodies that bind to the hormone of interest. Through tagging these antibodies with a detectable label, such as a radioactive isotope or an enzyme that produces a color change, scientists can visualize the location of the hormone in tissue samples or cells.
Quantification of hormones is often performed using sophisticated analytical methods. These include mass spectrometry and chromatography, which can provide highly accurate measurements of hormone concentrations even when they are present in very low amounts. This quantification is essential for understanding how hormones influence body systems, such as the reproductive system, or processes like maintaining normal blood glucose levels.