Hormones vs. Enzymes: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Hormones are chemical messengers regulating bodily functions, while enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions.
Key Differences
Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands, traveling through the bloodstream to tissues and organs. Enzymes, in contrast, are biological catalysts accelerating chemical reactions in cells.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Hormones play key roles in regulating metabolism, growth, and mood. Enzymes, on the other hand, are vital for processes like digestion and cellular energy production.
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Dec 19, 2023
Hormones function at low concentrations and have specific target organs. Enzymes work locally at the site of their required action and are involved in numerous metabolic pathways.
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Dec 19, 2023
Hormones can be steroids, peptides, or amino acid derivatives. Enzymes are typically large protein molecules with complex structures.
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Dec 19, 2023
Hormones often have long-term effects on bodily functions. Enzymes work rapidly, facilitating immediate chemical transformations within cells.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Hormones are chemical substances produced by glands in the body, which circulate in the bloodstream and regulate bodily functions.
Enzymes are biological molecules, typically proteins, that significantly speed up the rate of virtually all of the chemical reactions that take place within cells.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Function
Their primary function is to communicate between organs and tissues for physiological regulation and behavioral activities.
They act as catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions in the body.
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Dec 19, 2023
Nature of Action
Hormones generally have a widespread, long-lasting effect and can influence multiple different processes and systems in the body.
Enzymes typically have a very specific action and usually catalyze only one type of biochemical reaction.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 19, 2023
Production Sites
Produced mainly by endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
Produced by all living cells, including those found in plants, animals, and microorganisms.
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Dec 19, 2023
Examples
Insulin, adrenaline, estrogen, testosterone.
Amylase, lactase, pepsin, lipase.
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Dec 19, 2023
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Hormones and Enzymes Definitions
Hormones
Hormones are secreted by glands into the bloodstream.
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism.
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Dec 11, 2023
Enzymes
Enzymes are protein molecules with catalytic functions.
Catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
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Dec 11, 2023
Hormones
Hormones are regulatory substances produced in an organism.
Insulin, a hormone, regulates blood sugar levels.
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Dec 11, 2023
Hormones
Hormones coordinate bodily activities.
The growth hormone stimulates tissue growth.
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Dec 11, 2023
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Enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts.
Amylase in saliva breaks down starch into sugars.
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Dec 11, 2023
Hormones
Hormones are signaling molecules in biological systems.
Adrenaline, a hormone, triggers the body's fight-or-flight response.
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Dec 11, 2023
Enzymes
Enzymes have specific substrates and actions.
DNA polymerase assists in DNA replication.
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Dec 11, 2023
Hormones
Hormones influence physiological activities.
Estrogen affects reproductive functions.
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Dec 11, 2023
Enzymes
Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in cells.
Lactase helps digest lactose in milk.
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Dec 11, 2023
Hormones
A substance, usually a peptide or steroid, produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to effect physiological activity, such as growth or metabolism.
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Dec 08, 2023
Enzymes
Any of numerous compounds that are produced by living organisms and function as biochemical catalysts. Some enzymes are simple proteins, and others consist of a protein linked to one or more nonprotein groups.
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Dec 08, 2023
Hormones
Any of various similar substances found in plants and insects that regulate development.
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Dec 08, 2023
Hormones
Hormone replacement therapy.
If the doctor gives the OK, I should be able to start hormones by the end of the month.
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Dec 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How do hormones work?
They bind to specific receptors to initiate responses.
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Dec 19, 2023
Can enzyme activity be inhibited?
Yes, by specific inhibitors or conditions.
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Dec 19, 2023
How are enzyme deficiencies treated?
Often with dietary changes or supplements.
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Dec 19, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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