Chapter 35, Problem 34A

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The reason behind the use of insulin through injection not orally.

Introduction:

Hormones are called chemical messengers. With the help of blood, the hormones reach the organs and the tissue to maintain their function. There are many types of hormones that are secreted in the body to maintain the processes and function. Thyroxine hormone is secreted by thyroid glands.

Explanation of Solution

Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the beta cells in response to a high sugar level in blood. The molecular structure of insulin consists of A chain and B chain along with 51 amino acids that link together. The precursor molecule of insulin is proinsulin and insulin triggers the secretion of the high blood sugar level, some fatty acid, amino acid, and keto acid. Patients suffering from high blood sugar levels are provided with insulin but insulin is not prescribed orally because it is digestible. The molecular structure of insulin gets altered inside the stomach before it reaches the circulatory system and through injection, it reaches directly into the bloodstream and starts working within an hour.

Conclusion

Thus, the insulin hormone should inject directly into the bloodstream as they are digestible and get altered inside the stomach.