Final answer:
The hormone responsible for regulating energy production, protein synthesis, and increasing heat production is thyroid hormone, specifically thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) secreted by the thyroid gland. These hormones boost metabolism, energy usage, and protein synthesis throughout the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thyroid Hormones and Metabolism
The hormone that regulates energy production and protein synthesis, increases cellular respiration, and increases heat production is thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3), both of which are secreted by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones like T4 and T3 play a critical role in regulating the metabolism in cells throughout the body. They increase oxygen consumption and basal metabolic rate, boost the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and enhance protein synthesis and energy production. By increasing RNA synthesis and amino acid transport, they stimulate protein synthesis and have anabolic effects on tissues. Additionally, thyroid hormones assist in adapting to colder temperatures by inducing heat production through the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria.
T3 and T4 also affect the cardiovascular system by increasing the rate and force of the heartbeat and make cells more sensitive to catecholamines, such as adrenaline. While both hormones are similar in function, T3 is generally considered to be the more active form. Thyroid hormones contribute to the normal growth and development of tissues, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Their production is stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland.