Activity 3: Playing with nature

Hormones work slowly, over time, and affect many different processes, including Growth and development Metabolism (how your body gets energy from the foods you eat) Sexual function Reproduction Mood

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) A hormone that stimulates growth cell reproduction cell regeneration Known as the “Fountain of youth” As you get older, HGH is secreted less and less by your pituitary gland. This decrease in HGH begins once an individual reaches puberty

Houston we have a problem! Hormones are powerful. It takes only a tiny amount to cause big changes in cells or even your whole body. That is why too little or too much of a certain hormone can be serious.

Too little or too much... Too little HGH being produced leads to “Growth Hormone Deficiency” Children with this condition maintain a short stature In adults, this condition causes reduced physical performance Too much HGH being produced leads to a condition called “Acromegaly” Individual has enlarged hands, feet, facial features

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! You will read two articles about individuals, specifically professional athletes, who intentionally intake more HGH to enhance their performance. This form of HGH was made in a lab (synthetically manufactured) and is not identical to the HGH naturally produced in your body. Before reading… - Look at the title and predict what you think the article will be about While reading… - Execute RUN (Reading, Underlining, and Notes in the margin)

Discussion If you were a professional athlete, would you use HGH to enhance your performance? Justify your decision with evidence from these two articles.

Exit Ticket You will have 5 minutes to complete the Exit Ticket