Which of the following statements correctly describe the properties of hormones ? 1. They are steroids, proteins, peptides or amino acid derivatives. 2. They are not produced by body organs and are mostly taken as supplements. 3. They do not influence the working of those organs which have secreted them 4. They act as co-enzymes and help enzymes to perform their function. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Hormones are chemically diverse signaling molecules classified into steroids, proteins, peptides, and amino acid derivatives [t2][t7]. Steroid hormones like estrogen are derived from cholesterol, while peptide hormones like insulin consist of amino acid chains [t2][t6]. Statement 1 is therefore correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because hormones are endogenously produced by endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, and pancreas [c1][t1]. Statement 3 is generally considered correct in the context of classical endocrine action, where hormones are secreted into the bloodstream to affect distant target organs rather than the secreting gland itself [t1][t5], although modern biology recognizes autocrine signaling [t3]. Statement 4 is incorrect because hormones act as chemical messengers or signal transducers, whereas enzymes (and their co-enzymes) act as biological catalysts for chemical reactions [t5]. Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are accurate descriptions of hormonal properties.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Control and Coordination > Activity 6.4 > p. 111
2. [2] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hormonal-endocrine-system
3. [3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/endocrine-activity