Biology - Chemical Coordination and Integration Question with Solution | TestHub

Addison's disease is a disorder caused by the hyposecretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex, primarily affecting both glucocorticoids (like cortisol) and mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone). The question specifically asks for features due to the hyposecretion of mineralocorticoids.

The primary mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. Its main function is to stimulate the reabsorption of sodium ions ($N{a}^{+}$) and water, and the excretion of potassium ions ($K^{+}$) and phosphate ions from the renal tubules.

Hyposecretion of mineralocorticoids (aldosterone deficiency) leads to:
1. Decreased reabsorption of $N{a}^{+}$ and water, resulting in increased loss of $N{a}^{+}$ and water in the urine (Statement C is correct).
2. Because $N{a}^{+}$ is lost in urine, its concentration in the blood plasma decreases (hyponatremia). Conversely, decreased excretion of $K^{+}$ leads to its accumulation, causing high $K^{+}$ concentration in the plasma (hyperkalemia) (Statement B is correct).
3. The significant loss of water and sodium leads to severe dehydration and subsequent weight loss (Statement E is correct).

Regarding the other options:
(A) Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a feature of Addison's disease, but it is primarily due to the hyposecretion of glucocorticoids (cortisol), which normally promote gluconeogenesis, not mineralocorticoids.
(D) Obesity is not a feature of Addison's disease; rather, weight loss is characteristic. Obesity is associated with hypersecretion of cortisol (Cushing's syndrome).

Therefore, the characteristic features caused specifically by the hyposecretion of mineralocorticoids are (B), (C), and (E).

Answer: (B), (C) and (E) only.