Question

Compare and contrast the role of hormones and neurotransmitters in cellular communication. Include at least one similarity and one difference.

Answer 1

Comparing and contrasting the role of hormones and neurotransmitters in cellular communication:

• Hormones are the chemical messengers secreted by the cell which acts in the functioning of other cells, and is secreted into the blood or extracellular fluid whereas Neurotransmitters are the endogenous chemicals that enable neurotransmission which acts by transmitting signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron to another target neuron or a muscle cell.
• Hormones act on a site which is distant from the site they are produced and are transmitted by blood, whereas neurotransmitters are transmitted across a synaptic cleft.
• The main difference between hormones and neurotransmitters is that, hormones belong to endocrine system whereas neurotransmitters belong to nervous system.
• Hormones are produced by endocrine glands and neurotransmitters are produced by neurons.
• The main similarity between hormones and neurotransmitters is that, they both are chemicals and are picked up by the receptors.

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