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Ch. 16 The Endocrine System
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 16 The Endocrine SystemProblem 2
Chapter 16, Problem 2

Which of the following is not a potential effect that a hormone could have on its target cell?
a. Activating genes in the DNA
b. Stimulating cellular division
c. Altering the permeability of the plasma membrane
d. All of the above are potential effects of a hormone on its target cell.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands that travel through the bloodstream to target cells, where they bind to specific receptors and elicit a response.
Step 2: Review the potential effects hormones can have on target cells. Hormones can activate genes in the DNA, leading to protein synthesis; stimulate cellular division, which is important for growth and repair; and alter the permeability of the plasma membrane, affecting the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the question. Each option describes a potential effect of hormones on target cells. Consider whether any of these effects are inconsistent with the known mechanisms of hormone action.
Step 4: Evaluate the final option, 'All of the above are potential effects of a hormone on its target cell.' Determine if this statement is accurate based on the information reviewed about hormone functions.
Step 5: Conclude by identifying whether any of the listed effects are not possible for hormones to exert on their target cells, or if all the effects are valid. This will help you determine the correct answer to the question.

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Key Concepts

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

Hormone Function

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system that regulate various physiological processes in the body. They exert their effects by binding to specific receptors on target cells, leading to a range of responses such as gene activation, metabolic changes, and alterations in cell behavior.
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Target Cell Response

Target cells are specific cells that possess receptors for particular hormones. When a hormone binds to its receptor on a target cell, it can trigger various responses, including activating genes, stimulating division, or changing membrane permeability, which ultimately influences the cell's function and activity.
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Hormonal Effects

The effects of hormones on target cells can vary widely, including activating gene expression, promoting cell division, and modifying the permeability of the plasma membrane. Understanding these potential effects is crucial for determining which options in the question are valid and which is not a typical action of hormones.
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