National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

How do hormones primarily contribute to metabolism?

1. By storing energy

2. By regulating chemical reactions

3. By transporting electrolytes

4. By breaking down proteins

The correct answer is: By regulating chemical reactions

Hormones play a crucial role in metabolism primarily by regulating chemical reactions within the body. They are biochemical messengers produced by glands that travel through the bloodstream to organs and tissues, where they influence various physiological processes. This includes the regulation of metabolic pathways such as the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy production, as well as the synthesis of new molecules. For instance, insulin is a hormone that helps lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, enhancing the storage of energy in the form of glycogen and fat. On the other hand, hormones like glucagon and cortisol can stimulate the breakdown of stored energy sources, demonstrating the dynamic balance that hormones maintain in metabolic processes. Therefore, their primary function in metabolism is to regulate the various chemical reactions that either produce or utilize energy. While storing energy, transporting electrolytes, and breaking down proteins are all important aspects of metabolism, they are more accurately described as processes influenced by hormones rather than the primary role of hormones themselves. Hormones do contribute to the regulation of these processes, but it is their regulatory function over chemical reactions that is paramount in understanding their role in metabolism.