Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

Anatomy & Physiology

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

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3:50 minutes

Problem 20

Textbook Question

Which type of hormone receptor—plasma membrane bound or intracellular—would be expected to provide the most long-lived response to hormone binding and why?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the two types of hormone receptors: Plasma membrane-bound receptors are located on the cell surface and typically bind to water-soluble hormones (e.g., peptide hormones). Intracellular receptors are located inside the cell (in the cytoplasm or nucleus) and bind to lipid-soluble hormones (e.g., steroid hormones).

Recognize the mechanism of action for plasma membrane-bound receptors: These receptors activate second messenger systems (e.g., cAMP, IP3) that lead to rapid but short-lived cellular responses. The signaling cascade amplifies the signal but is quickly terminated once the hormone is removed.

Understand the mechanism of action for intracellular receptors: These receptors directly interact with DNA to regulate gene expression. The hormone-receptor complex binds to specific DNA sequences, leading to the transcription of target genes and subsequent protein synthesis. This process takes longer to initiate but results in more sustained effects.

Compare the duration of responses: Plasma membrane-bound receptors provide quick responses that are transient because they rely on signaling molecules that degrade or are inactivated rapidly. Intracellular receptors, on the other hand, lead to changes in gene expression, which can result in long-term effects as new proteins are synthesized and remain functional for extended periods.

Conclude that intracellular receptors are expected to provide the most long-lived response to hormone binding because their effects involve altering gene expression and protein synthesis, which have prolonged impacts on cellular function.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hormone Receptors

Hormone receptors are proteins that bind to specific hormones, initiating a cellular response. They can be classified into two main types: plasma membrane-bound receptors, which interact with water-soluble hormones, and intracellular receptors, which bind to lipid-soluble hormones. The type of receptor influences the duration and nature of the response to hormone binding.

Signal Transduction Pathways

Signal transduction pathways are the processes by which a cell responds to external signals, such as hormones. Plasma membrane-bound receptors typically activate rapid signaling cascades, leading to quick but short-lived responses. In contrast, intracellular receptors often influence gene expression, resulting in slower but more sustained effects on cellular function.

Gene Expression Regulation

Gene expression regulation refers to the mechanisms that control the transcription of genes, determining how much of a gene product is produced. Intracellular hormone receptors, upon binding to their ligands, often act as transcription factors that modulate gene expression, leading to long-lasting changes in cell behavior and function compared to the transient effects of plasma membrane-bound receptors.

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