Question

Mary produces relatively low amounts of estradiol and cortisol but is able to produce proper amounts of other hormones such as thyroxine and insulin. Identify the chemical class of hormones that Mary has difficulty producing.

a) Peptide Hormones
b) Steroid Hormones
c) Amino Acid-Derived Hormones
d) Protein Hormones

Answer 1

Mary has difficulty producing steroid hormones, specifically estradiol and cortisol, which are lipid-derived hormones insoluble in water and structurally similar to cholesterol.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mary has difficulty producing certain hormones, specifically estradiol and cortisol, while other hormones like thyroxine and insulin are produced at normal levels. Given that estradiol and cortisol are hormones derived from cholesterol and their chemical names typically ending in "-ol" or "-one", we can categorize them as steroid hormones. These lipid-derived hormones are structurally similar to cholesterol, insoluble in water, and are carried by transport proteins in the blood, giving them a longer half-life in circulation compared to other hormone types.

Steroid hormones include not only estradiol and cortisol but also testosterone, aldosterone, and other androgens released by the reproductive organs and adrenal glands, respectively. Since Mary is producing these at low amounts, it indicates a potential issue with the production of steroid hormones specifically.