Multiple Choice
Endocrinology involves the study of the endocrine organs and __________.
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16. The Endocrine System
Introduction to the Endocrine System
Problem 7
Textbook Question
A cell's hormonal sensitivities are determined by the:
(a) Chemical nature of the hormone
(b) Quantity of circulating hormone
(c) Shape of the hormone molecules
(d) Presence or absence of appropriate receptors
(e) Thickness of its plasma membrane
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of hormonal sensitivity: Hormonal sensitivity refers to a cell's ability to respond to specific hormones, which is determined by the interaction between the hormone and its receptor on or within the cell.
Review the role of receptors: Hormones exert their effects by binding to specific receptors. These receptors can be located on the cell membrane (for water-soluble hormones) or inside the cell (for lipid-soluble hormones). Without the appropriate receptor, the hormone cannot influence the cell.
Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each option to determine its relevance to hormonal sensitivity. For example, the chemical nature of the hormone (option a) and the shape of the hormone molecules (option c) are important for receptor binding, but they do not directly determine a cell's sensitivity.
Focus on the presence or absence of receptors (option d): The presence of appropriate receptors is the key determinant of a cell's hormonal sensitivity. If a cell lacks the receptor for a specific hormone, it will not respond to that hormone, regardless of the hormone's quantity or other characteristics.
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is the presence or absence of appropriate receptors (option d), as this directly determines whether a cell can respond to a hormone.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hormone-Receptor Interaction
Hormones exert their effects by binding to specific receptors on target cells. The presence or absence of these receptors is crucial, as only cells with the appropriate receptors can respond to a particular hormone. This interaction is highly selective and determines the sensitivity of the cell to hormonal signals.
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Chemical Nature of Hormones
The chemical nature of hormones, whether they are peptide, steroid, or amine-based, influences how they interact with cells. For instance, steroid hormones can easily pass through the plasma membrane due to their lipid solubility, while peptide hormones require specific receptors on the cell surface. This distinction affects the mechanism of action and the cell's sensitivity to the hormone.
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Hormonal Concentration
The quantity of circulating hormone in the bloodstream plays a significant role in determining a cell's sensitivity. Higher concentrations can lead to increased receptor activation, enhancing the cell's response. Conversely, low hormone levels may result in insufficient receptor engagement, diminishing the cell's responsiveness to hormonal signals.
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