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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Hormones and Pheromones?

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Hormones and pheromones are both chemical signaling molecules produced by animals, with most of them made up of proteins. However, there are key differences between the two:

  1. Function: Hormones act inside the body of the organism that secretes them, changing the functions and behavior of the animal. Pheromones, on the other hand, act on other animals of the same species, changing their behavior.
  2. Scope: Hormones are present in both animals and plants, while pheromones are found only in animals.
  3. Action: Hormones are active between cells within the same body (intracellular), whereas pheromones are active between animals of the same species.
  4. Structure: The structure of hormones and pheromones are not similar.
  5. Diversity: There is a limited variation in hormones, with a few hundred hormones matching with millions of species. In contrast, there is a vast diversity in pheromones, with millions of pheromones matching with different organisms.

In summary, hormones are chemical signals that act within an organism's body, while pheromones are chemical signals that act between individuals of the same species. Hormones are involved in regulating the functions and behavior of the organism that secretes them, whereas pheromones can directly change the social behaviors of other individuals.

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  • What is the Difference Between Hormones and Pheromones?
  • Comparative Table: Hormones vs Pheromones

    • Comparative Table: Hormones vs Pheromones

    Here is a table comparing the differences between hormones and pheromones:

    Feature Hormones Pheromones
    Definition Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system that transport signals inside an organism. Pheromones are chemical agents produced by organisms that can trigger social responses from other members of the same species.
    Production and Function Hormones are produced and act inside the body of an organism. Pheromones are produced internally but function outside the body.
    Communication Level Hormones communicate between organs and cells of one individual. Pheromones communicate between individuals of the same species, outside the body.
    Structure Hormone and pheromone structures are not similar.
    Presence Hormones are present in both animals and plants. Pheromones are present only in animals.
    Behavioral Changes Hormones change the interior of the body and cause behavioral alterations. Pheromones directly change the social behaviors of others.
    Examples Examples of hormones include insulin, estrogen, and testosterone. Examples of pheromones include bombykol (produced by the Asian corn borer) and the juvenile hormone.

    In summary, hormones and pheromones are both signaling chemicals, but they differ in their production, function, communication level, structure, presence, and effects on behavior.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.