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Multiple Choice
Which hormone's receptor is always bound to DNA, even when the receptor is not bound to its ligand?
A
Epinephrine
B
Cortisol
C
Thyroid hormone
D
Insulin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of hormone receptors. Hormone receptors are proteins that bind to specific hormones and mediate their effects in the cell. Some receptors are located on the cell surface, while others are intracellular and interact directly with DNA.
Step 2: Learn about thyroid hormone receptors. Thyroid hormone receptors are nuclear receptors, meaning they are located inside the cell nucleus. These receptors are unique because they are always bound to DNA, even in the absence of their ligand (thyroid hormone).
Step 3: Compare thyroid hormone receptors to other hormone receptors. For example, epinephrine and insulin receptors are located on the cell surface and do not directly interact with DNA. Cortisol receptors are intracellular but only bind to DNA after the hormone binds to the receptor.
Step 4: Recognize the mechanism of thyroid hormone receptors. When thyroid hormone binds to its receptor, it causes a conformational change that activates or represses the transcription of specific genes. This is why the receptor is always bound to DNA—it is ready to regulate gene expression upon hormone binding.
Step 5: Conclude that thyroid hormone receptors are distinct from other hormone receptors because they are always bound to DNA, even in the absence of their ligand. This characteristic is essential for their role in regulating gene expression.