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Peptide Hormones

Meaning

Peptide hormones are a diverse and essential class of signaling molecules composed of amino acid chains, biochemically ranging from small, simple peptides to large, complex proteins, synthesized and secreted by various endocrine glands and specialized tissues. Unlike lipid-soluble steroid hormones, these molecules are typically water-soluble and exert their effects by binding to specific, high-affinity receptors located on the outer surface of target cells, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling events. They govern a vast array of fundamental physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, appetite regulation, and reproductive function. Insulin, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone are classic examples of these essential biochemical messengers.