Difference between Enzymes and Hormones
May 27, 2023
The main difference between enzymes and hormones is that enzymes are biological catalysts that increase the speed of biochemical reactions without undergoing any changes themselves, whereas hormones are molecules produced by organisms that transmit messages to other organs or tissues, triggering specific cellular reactions.
Enzyme vs. Hormone
Here are the main difference between enzymes and hormones:
Character | Enzymes | Hormones |
---|---|---|
Definition | Enzymes are biological catalysts that increase the speed of biochemical reactions without any changes. | Hormones are molecules like steroids (testosterone/estrogen) or peptides (insulin) produced by a part of an organism and send messages to other organs or tissues for cellular reactions. |
Chemical Name | Biological Catalyst | Chemical Messengers |
Molecular Weight | Macromolecules, always high molecule weight. | Hormones have comparatively low molecular weight than enzymes. |
Activity Performed | Performs at the place of origin, i.e., inside the cell. | Performs at some distance, i.e., target organ from glands. |
Reutilization | Enzymes can be reused. | Hormones cannot be reused. |
Formation | Formation is in exocrine glands. | Formation is in endocrine glands. |
Specifications | It depends on functions performed by the substrate. | It depends on positive and negative feedback by target cells. |
Circulatory System | Intracellular or some ducts. | Blood Stream. |
Chemical Composition | Generally Proteins. | Polypeptides, Steroids, Amines. |
Producer Cells | Salivary glands, cells in the stomach, pancreas, and glands in the small intestine. | Pituitary glands, Thyroid glands, Thymus glands, Adrenal glands, Pancreas. |
Translocation | No translocation. | Shows polar translocation. |
Reacting Time | Enzymes react quickly. | Some hormones react quickly while some react slowly. |
Reaction Type | Reversible. | Irreversible. |
Concentration | Reaction increases with an increase in concentration. | Hormone effects depend on the deficiency or excess of their concentration in the body. |
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