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Multiple Choice
What type of hormones use second messengers in a cascade of reactions that trigger a cell response?
A
Lipid-soluble hormones
B
Peptide hormones
C
Thyroid hormones
D
Steroid hormones
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the nature of peptide hormones: Peptide hormones are composed of amino acids and are generally water-soluble, which means they cannot pass through the lipid bilayer of cell membranes.
Recognize the mechanism of action: Since peptide hormones cannot enter the cell directly, they bind to specific receptors on the cell surface.
Identify the role of second messengers: Upon binding to the receptor, peptide hormones activate a cascade of intracellular reactions involving second messengers such as cyclic AMP (cAMP), inositol triphosphate (IP3), or calcium ions.
Explore the cascade effect: The activation of second messengers leads to a series of enzymatic reactions within the cell, amplifying the signal and resulting in a specific cellular response.
Differentiate from other hormone types: Unlike peptide hormones, lipid-soluble hormones like steroid and thyroid hormones can pass through the cell membrane and directly affect gene expression without the need for second messengers.