Question

Eicosanoids is a type of ________________

(a) Hormone

(b) Antibiotic

(c) Vaccine

(d) Antigen

The question was posed to me during an interview for a job.

This intriguing question comes from Products of Animal Cell Cultures topic in division Bioprocess Considerations in Using Animal Cell Cultures of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(a) Hormone

Explanation:

Eicosanoids are a group of biologically active molecules derived from arachidonic acid (a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid). They play important roles in various physiological processes such as inflammation, immune response, blood clotting, and regulation of blood pressure.

Eicosanoids include:

• Prostaglandins
• Thromboxanes
• Leukotrienes
• Lipoxins

These molecules act primarily as local hormones or autocrine and paracrine signaling molecules, meaning they exert their effects locally, often in the cells or tissues where they are synthesized. They are involved in processes like inflammation, immune function, and vascular tone regulation.

Thus, eicosanoids are considered hormones, specifically local signaling molecules in the body. Therefore, (a) Hormone is the correct answer.