Question

The condition hypothyroidism is characterized by a decrease in the synthesis and secretion of the chemical thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland, which is an organ in the neck that belongs to the endocrine system. Explain how this condition involves all levels of organization in the body.

Answer 1

Hypothyroidism indicates a decrease in synthesis and secretion of the thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone plays a major role in protein synthesis which takes place inside the nucleus of the cell. The defeciency of thyroxine hormone affects protein synthesis which results in the inefficient protein synthesis in the cell and thus, many cellular function involves various protein (like transporter proteins across cell membrane) are affected. Adequate levels of thyroid hormones are also required for fetal and childhood tissue development and growth. The abnormal growth of tissue results in abnormal function of various organ system like insufficiency of thyroxine may results in abnormal development development of the nervous system. Abnormal system affects whole body.

The most important role of thyroxine is in the metabolism which starts at cellular level and abnormal metabolism affects all system of the body due to insufficient supply of energy.