8.3 Endocrine Disruptors

endocrine disruptors

* mimic hormones causing overstimulation or
* bind to a receptor within a cell and block the real hormone, stopping response

synthetic chemicals

used as

* industrial solvents/lubricants and their byproducts
* polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
* polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)
* plastics and plastizers
* bisphenol A (BPA)
* phthalates
* pesticides and fungicides
* parhmaceuticals

natural chemicals

in foods

* phytoestrogens found in soy

endocrine system function

any chemical that interferes with the production, transport, metabolism, or function of hormones in bodies

hormones are associated with homestasis, reproduction, and development

* estrogen
* testerone
* insulin
* serotonin
* norepinephrine

mimic

endocrine disruptors can ___ the structure of a signaling chemical that would normally bind with a cell receptor or trigger a cellular response

block the signal

endocrine disruptors can also ______ from reaching the receptor or block the transduction cascade

* consequences: reproductive abnormalities, birth and developmental defects, Behavorial changes

top level consumers

these are most impacted in the food chain when endocrine disruptors enter waterways