M4 check in activity 2 Rico, Jose Maria Tuang

PCCH104 BSN-NSTEM-1G

Explain using two sentences the biological significance of the following peptides . (10 points)

Glucagon - counteracts the actions of insulin by stimulating hepatic glucose production and thereby
increases blood glucose levels. It stimulates the conversion of stored glycogen to glucose, which can be
released into the bloodstream.

Insulin - allows the cells in the muscles, fat and liver to absorb glucose that is in the blood. The glucose
serves as energy to these cells, or it can be converted into fat when needed.

Glutathione - a linear tripeptide of L-glutamine, L-cysteine, and glycine. Technically N-L-gamma-

glutamyl-cysteinyl glycine or L-glutathione, the molecule has a sulfhydryl (SH) group on the cysteinyl
portion, which accounts for its strong electron-donating character. As electrons are lost, the molecule
becomes oxidized, and two such molecules become linked (dimerized) by a disulfide bridge to form
glutathione disulfide or oxidized glutathione (GSSG).

Ceruloplasmin - involved in iron and copper homeostasis and integrates these metabolic pathways.
Impaired biosynthesis of ceruloplasmin caused by gene mutations disturbs iron metabolism with iron
deposition in different organs, especially in the basal ganglia, and severe neuronal damage.

Oxytocin - signalling system is important to the regulation of metabolism, osmoregulation, social

behaviours, learning, and memory. It is a hormone that acts on organs in the body and as a chemical
messenger in the brain, controlling key aspects of the reproductive system, including childbirth and
lactation, and aspects of human behaviour.