Which Chemical Type of Hormone Has a Longer Half-Life

Question

Which chemical type of hormone has a longer half-life?
A) lipid-soluble
B) protein
C) water-soluble
D) amino acid derivative

Accepted Answer

Lipid-soluble hormones have a longer half-life because they bind to carrier proteins, which protect them from degradation and clearance by the kidneys. They are also able to diffuse through the plasma membrane of target cells and can remain active in the cell for a longer period of time. In contrast, water-soluble and protein hormones have a shorter half-life as they are rapidly cleared by the kidneys and degraded by enzymes in the blood. Amino acid derivatives vary in their half-life depending on the specific hormone.