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Multiple Choice
Which statement about peptide hormones is FALSE?
A
Peptide hormones typically bind to cell surface receptors because they cannot cross the plasma membrane.
B
Peptide hormones are usually water-soluble and transported freely in the bloodstream.
C
Peptide hormones are generally hydrophobic and can easily diffuse through lipid bilayers.
D
Peptide hormones are synthesized as precursor proteins that are later processed to their active forms.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the nature of peptide hormones. Peptide hormones are composed of amino acids and are generally hydrophilic (water-soluble). This property prevents them from easily crossing the hydrophobic lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane.
Step 2: Analyze how peptide hormones interact with cells. Due to their inability to cross the plasma membrane, peptide hormones typically bind to cell surface receptors, initiating signal transduction pathways inside the cell.
Step 3: Examine the transport mechanism of peptide hormones. Being water-soluble, peptide hormones are transported freely in the bloodstream without requiring carrier proteins, unlike hydrophobic hormones such as steroid hormones.
Step 4: Review the synthesis of peptide hormones. Peptide hormones are synthesized as inactive precursor proteins (preprohormones or prohormones) and are later processed into their active forms through enzymatic cleavage.
Step 5: Identify the false statement. The statement 'Peptide hormones are generally hydrophobic and can easily diffuse through lipid bilayers' is incorrect because peptide hormones are hydrophilic and cannot diffuse through the lipid bilayer without assistance.