Question

Insulin is a hormone secreted by an endocrine gland. Name the gland and write about the function of insulin.

Answer 1

Hint: Different types of body processes are regulated and controlled by the hormones produced by the endocrine glands in our body. The endocrine system coordinates with the nervous system to control the functions of the other organ system. Hormones produced by the endocrine glands circulate throughout the body and stimulate a response in cells.

Complete step by step answer:
-Insulin is a peptide secreted by the endocrine gland Pancreas.
-In the upper abdomen, the glandular organ pancreas is present.
-It serves as two glands in one: - an exocrine gland (Digestive) and an endocrine gland (hormone-producing).
-The exocrine gland pancreas secretes enzymes to break down the proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids in food.
-The endocrine gland pancreas secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar levels.
-The main functions of the hormone insulin are as follows:
-Insulin is an anabolic hormone.
-Through the tyrosine kinase receptor pathway, it promotes protein synthesis of skeletal muscle and fat tissue
-It helps in glucose uptake, glycogenesis (synthesize of glycogen), lipogenesis (synthesize of lipids/fat).
-Insulin also inhibits the breakdown of fats.
-Insulin is an important factor in the regulation of plasma glucose homeostasis.
-Insulin is a hypoglycemic hormone that counteracts glucagon and other catabolic hormones such as epinephrine, glucocorticoid.

Note: The protein insulin is composed of two chains: an A chain (having 21 amino acids) and a B chain (having 30 amino acids). They are linked together with the help of sulfur atoms. Insulin is derived from proinsulin, a 74-amino-acid prohormone molecule. Proinsulin is relatively inactive. Only a small amount of it is secreted under normal conditions.