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Multiple Choice
Water-soluble hormones bind to __________.
A
receptors on the cell surface
B
DNA directly
C
receptors inside the nucleus
D
phospholipids in the membrane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the nature of water-soluble hormones: These hormones are hydrophilic, meaning they cannot pass through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane due to its hydrophobic nature.
Recognize how water-soluble hormones interact with cells: Since they cannot enter the cell directly, they must bind to receptors located on the cell surface.
Clarify the role of cell surface receptors: These receptors are specialized proteins embedded in the cell membrane that recognize and bind to specific hormones, initiating a signal transduction pathway.
Eliminate incorrect options: Water-soluble hormones do not bind directly to DNA, nor do they bind to receptors inside the nucleus or phospholipids in the membrane. These options are inconsistent with the mechanism of action for water-soluble hormones.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'receptors on the cell surface,' as this aligns with the biological mechanism of water-soluble hormone signaling.