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to hypothyroidism which is characterised by lethargyness and obesity. Increased level of thyroxine causes hyperthyroidism. Low level of iodine in the diet may lead to hypothyroidism and enlargement of the thyroid gland. This condition is largely being controlled by adding sodium iodide to commercial table salt (“Iodised” salt). Steroid hormones are produced by adrenal cortex and gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females). Hormones released by the adrenal cortex play very important role in the functions of the body. For example, glucocorticoids control the carbohydrate metabolism, modulate inflammatory reactions, and are involved in reactions to stress. The mineralocorticoids control the level of excretion of water and salt by the kidney. If adrenal cortex does not function properly then one of the results may be Addison’s disease characterised by hypoglycemia, weakness and increased susceptibility to stress. The disease is fatal unless it is treated by glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Hormones released by gonads are responsible for development of secondary sex characters. Testosterone is themajorsexhormoneproducedinmales.Itisresponsiblefordevelopment of secondary male characteristics (deep voice, facial hair, general physical constitution)andestradiolisthemainfemalesexhormone.Itisresponsible for development of secondary female characteristics and participates in the control of menstrual cycle. Progesterone is responsible for preparing the uterus for implantation of fertilised egg. Intext Questions 10.6 Why cannot vitamin C be stored in our body? 10.7 What products would be formed when a nucleotide from DNA containing thymine is hydrolysed? 10.8 WhenRNAishydrolysed,thereisnorelationshipamongthequantitiesofdifferent bases obtained. What does this fact suggest about the structure of RNA? Summary Carbohydrates are optically active polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones or molecules which provide such units on hydrolysis. They are broadly classified into three groups — monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. Glucose, the most important source of energy for mammals, is obtained by the digestion of starch. Monosaccharides are held together by glycosidic linkages to form disaccharides or polysaccharides. Proteins are the polymers of about twenty different -amino acids which are linked by peptide bonds. Ten amino acids are called essential amino acids because they cannot be synthesised by our body, hence must be provided through diet. Proteins perform various structural and dynamic functions in the organisms. Proteins which contain only -amino acids are called simple proteins. The secondary or tertiary structure of proteins get disturbed on change of pH or temperature and they are not able to perform their functions. This is called denaturation of proteins. Enzymes are biocatalysts which speed up the reactions in biosystems. They are very specific and selective in their action and chemically majority of enzymes are proteins. Vitamins are accessory food factors required in the diet. They are classified as fat soluble (A, D, E and K) and water soluble ( group and C). Deficiency of vitamins leads to many diseases. 301 Biomolecules Reprint 2026-27