What are hormones characterized as in the body?

Hormones are characterized as chemical messengers in the body. They are released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream and travel to target organs and tissues, where they exert their effects by binding to specific receptors. This signaling process helps regulate a wide range of physiological functions including metabolism, growth and development, mood, and reproductive processes.

The role of hormones as chemical messengers is crucial because they enable the body to maintain homeostasis, coordinating activities across various systems. For example, insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels, while adrenaline prepares the body for a 'fight or flight' response during stressful situations.

The other options don't accurately describe the function of hormones. Mitochondrial agents do not pertain to hormone activity; rather, they relate to energy production within cells. Nutrient carriers typically refer to transport proteins that help move nutrients across cell membranes, and electrolyte regulators are more aligned with substances that manage electrolyte levels in the body, rather than hormones that perform broad regulatory functions.