Final answer:
There are three general classes of hormones that include peptide hormones (e.g., ADH and FSH), steroid hormones (e.g., estradiol, testosterone, cortisol), and amino acid-derived hormones (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine).
Step-by-step explanation:
Classes of Hormones
There are three general classes of hormones based on their chemical structure:
Peptide Hormones
Peptide hormones are chains of amino acids. Examples include antidiuretic hormone (ADH) important for fluid balance, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the maturation of eggs and sperm.
Steroid Hormones
Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and are structurally similar to it. Significant examples include estradiol and testosterone, which are sex hormones released by the reproductive organs, as well as cortisol from the adrenal glands.
Amino Acid-Derived Hormones
Amino acid-derived hormones are small molecules made from amino acids such as tyrosine and tryptophan. Notable examples are the adrenal hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.