Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List I (Hormone) I A. Aldosterone secondary sex B. Oestrogen C. Melatonin D. Progesterone List II (Function) 1. Maintains female characteristics 2. Controls circadian rhythm 3. Salt-retaining hormone 4. Sustains the pregnancy Code : A B C D

The matching of hormones to their primary functions is as follows: Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex that regulates salt and water balance, acting as a salt-retaining hormone. Oestrogen (Estrogen) is responsible for the development and maintenance of female secondary sexual characteristics. Melatonin, secreted by the pineal gland, is crucial for regulating sleep cycles and the body's circadian rhythm [1]. Progesterone is often referred to as the 'pro-gestation' hormone because its primary role is to prepare the uterine lining for implantation and sustain pregnancy. Therefore, the correct sequence for A-B-C-D is 3-1-2-4, which corresponds to Option 4.

Sources

1. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > 5.8.3. Effects > p. 82