1. Activity 2: Hormones

2. Terminology Secrete (verb): to produce and then release a substance
Gland (noun): a cell or organ in the body that synthesizes a substance and then releases it for use by our body
In order for your body to cool off, the sweat glands secrete water.
Target cell (noun): any cell that contains receptor molecules to bind hormones
Receptor molecule (noun): molecules, proteins, found on the outside of the cell that receive chemical signals (hormones) from other cells

3. Hormones Signals released by glands so cells can communicate
Hormone has to fit on receptor molecule of the target cell

4. Hormone and Receptor molecule must fit in order to work
Gland
Receptor molecule
Hormone

5. Failure of hormone to work means either the
Receptor molecule is the wrong shape
The hormone is the wrong shape

6. Hormone and receptor molecules
Remember that these molecules are proteins.
An improper shape means an incorrect Amino Acid sequence
Amino Acids

7. Discussion Questions
1. There is a receptor molecule on the outside of a cell with an incorrect amino acid sequence. When the hormone is secreted, what will happen?
The hormone will bind to the receptor cell
The hormone will not bind to the receptor cell
Choose either scenario A or B and justify your answer.
In Unit 2, the big connection was made between the function of a cell and that of a city.
2. Using the cell to city analogy, give an example of a structure in a city that would be similar to a hormone and receptor molecule found in/on cells

8. Finish early?
Using slide 6, describe a scenario that could occur both in a cell and a city as it relates to failure of hormones
Choose either failure 1 or 2 presented on slide 6 to write your scenario

9. Have it your way! Choose one of the following glands/organ system:
Thyroid gland
Adrenal gland
Digestive system
Conduct research to answer the following questions:
Which hormone does it secrete?
Does this hormone play a role in maintaining homeostasis? If so, how?
Are there any diseases or complications that could occur if this gland does not function properly or is not regulated properly?
***Suggested sites:

10. Article: Hormones in Beef
Read the article
When you are finished reading the article, answer the following questions:
The author states that the FDA’s claim that hormone levels in beef are safe and normal is NOT valid. What evidence does the author give to support his claim? Do you agree?
Hormones help regulate the body and maintain homeostasis. Is an elevated level of hormones in beef really a bad thing like the author is arguing? Why or why not? Justify your claim with information from today’s lesson and the article.