Page 102 - Consciousness in the Cell

CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE CELL

HORMONES—MOLECULES THAT CAN

DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE SEXES

A great deal of harmonious cooperation exists between cells
and hormones in the human body. The body recognizes hormones
and immediately understands the message they carry. And the
hormones know very well where they need to go and when, and
the sort of effect they'll have. Even though the same hormones are
present in both males and females, these hormones' effect on the
two sexes is completely different. For example, the follicle-stimu-
lating hormone known as FSH promotes the formation of the egg
in the woman. Yet in males, the same hormone ensures the forma-
tion of the sperm.
On the other hand, luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates ovu-
lation and also causes the secretion of another hormone called
progesterone, which prepares the uterus for pregnancy. The same
hormone takes on a completely different role in males, stimulating
cells to secrete testosterone, which facilitates the development of
male secondary sexual characteristics and the formation of sperm.
How can two similar hormones with the same makeup lead to
completely different effects in different genders? This question is
definitely thought-provoking!
When the hormone is secreted in a male's body, it recognizes
that the body cells here belong to a male and make changes
accordingly. In a male body, for example, this hormone leads to
greater muscular formation, to the deepening of the voice, and the
formation of a beard.
In a woman, the exact same hormone is secreted, but its effect
on her is practically the opposite. If the same hormone can give a
feminine voice to a woman and a deeper one to a man, and can
lead to the development of different bodily characteristics, then

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