Melatonin is a hormone that is involved in the regulation of the circadian rhythm. Features of melatonin include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, regulates sleep-wake cycles. It circulates in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, crossing the blood-brain barrier to signal darkness via the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Its half-life is short, about 30-60 minutes, not 4 hours, enabling rapid response to light cues. Synthesized from tryptophan via serotonin, it's a biochemical derivative responsive to environmental triggers. It acts on melatonin receptors (MT1, MT2) in the SCN, suppressing wakefulness-promoting adenylate cyclase, not activating pituitary mechanisms for wakefulness that's a misattribution. Its role dampens alertness, promoting sleep. Circulation in bodily fluids ensures systemic distribution, aligning circadian rhythms with night, making it foundational to sleep physiology and fatigue management.