Question

Choose the correct answer from the alternatives given.
An example of homeostasis control by antagonistic hormones is
A. Insulin and glucagon in glucose metabolism.
B. Progestins and estrogens in sexual differentiation.
C. Epinephrine and norepinephrine in flight or fight response.
D. Oxytocin and prolactin in milk production.

Answer 1

Hint: The term homeostasis can be defined as a state of steady physical, internal and chemical condition which is maintained by the living organism irrespective of the changes in the external environment. Antagonistic hormones are those whose functions are exactly opposite to each other in order to maintain the homeostasis of the body.

Complete step-by-step answer: Homeostasis is the state of steady physical, chemical, and internal conditions maintained by an organism is called homeostasis. Many factors like body temperature, fluid balance, and pH levels affect the homeostasis of the body that is required for the optimal functioning of the body.
-Estrogen hormone is responsible for the development of female sex organs whereas progesterone hormone plays an important role during the menstrual cycle.
-Norepinephrine and epinephrine hormones which are also called noradrenaline hormone and adrenaline hormone are responsible for flight and fight response. Their function is not contradicting each other and hence not an antagonistic hormone that is responsible for maintaining homeostasis of the body.
-Prolactin hormone in females is responsible for the production of milk and oxytocin hormone stimulates the release of milk.
-The negative feedback mechanism of regulation of blood glucose level in blood is an example of homeostasis which is controlled by antagonistic hormones. An increased level of blood glucose level stimulates the beta cells to secrete insulin hormone. Insulin in turn stimulates the liver and other body cells to convert glucose into glycogen and in adipose tissue glucose is converted into fats. Decreased level of blood glucose levels stimulates the alpha cells to secrete glucagon which stimulates the liver to secrete glucose. Their functioning is opposite to each other in order to maintain the blood glucose level in the body.
So, option A is the correct option.

Note: Another pair of antagonistic hormones is parathyroid hormone and calcitonin hormone. These hormones regulate the calcium ion level in blood and hence maintain the homeostasis of the body. Parathyroid hormone is responsible for the increased level of calcium ion concentration whereas the calcitonin hormone decreases the secretion of calcium ions in blood by breaking down the bone matrix.