What r Characteristics of hormone?

General characteristics of hormones are as follows:

• Hormones are secreted by endocrine cells.
• Hormones are chemical messengers.
• They usually cause long term effects like change in behavior, growth, etc.
• They circulate in the body fluids (blood).
• The hormones regulate the behavior of the target cells.
• Hormones, unlike enzymes do not catalyze any reaction.
• They have feedback effect so that they are secreted only when needed.
• They are not stored prior to requirement.
• Hormones may be proteinaceous or non-proteinaceous in nature (amino-acids or steroids).
• The hormones function is to stimulate or inhibit the target organs.

Hormones are chemical compounds secreted by glands which help the body to coordinate growth, development and responses to the environment. They act as chemical messengers. They act on target tissues/organs (target site) usually away from their source (secreting gland). They help the endocrine system of the body to control and coordinate. Hormones should be secreted in the body in precise quantities and at right time.