Endogenous

Endogenous refers to the processes, substances, or phenomena that originate from within an organism, tissue, or cell. This term is often used in various fields of biology, medicine, and biochemistry to describe internal factors that influence or regulate biological systems.

Overview

In the context of biology and medicine, endogenous substances are those that are produced naturally within the body. These can include hormones, enzymes, and other metabolic products. For example, insulin is an endogenous hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels.

In contrast, exogenous substances are those that originate from outside the body, such as drugs or toxins.

Endogenous Substances

Endogenous substances play crucial roles in various biological processes. Some of the most important endogenous substances include:

• Hormones: These are chemical messengers that are produced by endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions. Examples include insulin, adrenaline, and cortisol.

• Enzymes: These are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions within cells. They are essential for metabolism, DNA replication, protein synthesis, and other cellular processes.

• Neurotransmitters: These are endogenous chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another. Examples include dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.

Endogenous Processes

Endogenous processes are those that occur naturally within an organism or system. These can include:

• Cell division: This is the process by which a single cell divides into two daughter cells. It is a fundamental process for growth, development, and repair in multicellular organisms.

• Metabolism: This is the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that occur within the cells of living organisms. It includes both the breakdown of nutrients to produce energy (catabolism) and the synthesis of complex molecules needed for cellular functions (anabolism).

• Immune response: This is the body's defense mechanism against foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. It involves the coordinated action of various immune cells and endogenous substances, such as antibodies and cytokines.

See Also

• Exogenous
• Homeostasis
• Endocrine system
• Nervous system

References

Endogenous Resources
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