Question

In mammals, Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) is
A. Steroid hormone
B. Vestigial hormone
C. Effective hormone
D. Protein hormone

Answer 1

Hint: Melanocytes are the melanin producing cells. Melanin is a dark pigment that is responsible for the skin colour of any individual.

Complete Answer:
Steroid hormone: Steroid hormone is a steroid that acts as a hormone.
- All the steroid hormones are the hormones derived from the cholesterol.
- These hormones are secreted by three steroid glands. The adrenal cortex, Testes, ovaries.
- These hormones are grouped into two classes:
Corticoids and sex steroids. Example – glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, estrogens and progestogens.

Vestigial hormone: Vestigial hormones are the hormones that have no use in humans.

Protein hormones: Protein hormones are the hormones that are the products of endocrine glands such as peptides or proteins. Example – thyroxine, adrenaline, insulin, etc.

Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone: Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone is a protein hormone produced by the endocrine gland.
- This hormone is also known as melanotropins or intermedins.
- It is a group of hormones produced by the pituitary gland.
- This hormone is very important for protecting skin from UV rays, development of pigmentation and control of appetite.
Therefore, it is clear from the above discussion that in mammals, the melanocyte stimulating hormone is a protein hormone.

Hence, D is the correct option.

Note: Melanocyte Stimulating hormone (MSH) produced by the cells in the pars intermedia of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It has major functions in the human body i.e. protection of skin from UV rays.