Question

Peptide hormones are often synthesized as large inactive polypeptides called...

Answer 1

Peptide hormones are synthesized as large inactive polypeptides called preprohormones, which are then cleaved into active hormones.

Step-by-step explanation:

Peptide hormones are often synthesized as large inactive polypeptides known as preprohormones. These preprohormones are synthesized in the cell as longer chains of amino acids that are inactive. They are then cleaved into smaller, active hormones before being secreted out of the cell.

For instance, insulin is initially synthesized as preproinsulin, which is then processed to proinsulin and finally to active insulin before its release in response to high blood glucose levels. Similarly, peptide hormones like growth hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone are initially synthesized as larger proteins and later processed to their active forms.