Speed of peptide vs. steroid hormones

[underdog99]

Do we have to know which acts quicker? And if so, which one?

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[JLT223]

Peptides act quicker. Steroids work on the nucleus to alter transcription/translation, which obviously takes some time to occur. This is why the effct of a steroid may take days to occur. In contast, epinephrine is needed instantaneously. It binds to a cell surface receptor and acts very fast via a cascade of 2nd messengers. If it took days to cause its desired effect you'd already be dead.

 

[workaholic181]

Do we have to know which acts quicker? And if so, which one?

Peptides have fast effects but are short lived.

Steroids have slow effect but have long lasting consequences.

Also important to understand that steroids require transport in the blood since they are hydrophobic whereas peptides do not.

 

[underdog99]

Thank you guys!!