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Ch. 11 - Cell-Cell Interactions
Freeman - Biological Science 7th Edition
Freeman7th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9783584863285Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksFreeman 7th EditionCh. 11 - Cell-Cell InteractionsProblem 9c
Chapter 11, Problem 9c

Steroid hormones, like most lipid-soluble signaling molecules, are processed directly. How does the absence of a signal transduction cascade in the processing of steroid hormones affect (c) the cellular response that is possible?

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Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble, allowing them to pass directly through the cell membrane without the need for a receptor on the cell surface.
Once inside the cell, steroid hormones bind to specific intracellular receptors, forming a hormone-receptor complex.
This hormone-receptor complex then translocates to the cell nucleus, where it can directly interact with DNA to regulate gene expression.
The absence of a signal transduction cascade means that the response is more direct and typically involves changes in gene expression, leading to a slower but more sustained cellular response.
Without a cascade, the amplification of the signal is limited, meaning that the response is proportional to the amount of hormone present, rather than being amplified through a series of enzymatic reactions.

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Key Concepts

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

Steroid Hormones

Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble molecules derived from cholesterol. They can easily pass through cell membranes due to their hydrophobic nature. Once inside the cell, they typically bind to specific intracellular receptors, forming a hormone-receptor complex that directly influences gene expression by acting on DNA in the nucleus.
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Signal Transduction Cascade

A signal transduction cascade is a series of molecular events initiated by a signal (often a hormone or growth factor) binding to a cell surface receptor. This process typically involves multiple steps, including the activation of proteins and second messengers, leading to a cellular response. The cascade amplifies the signal, allowing for a robust and regulated response to external stimuli.
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Direct Gene Regulation

In the absence of a signal transduction cascade, steroid hormones directly regulate gene expression by interacting with intracellular receptors. This direct mechanism allows for a more immediate and specific response, as the hormone-receptor complex can bind directly to DNA, influencing transcription and altering protein synthesis. This can lead to changes in cell function and behavior without the need for intermediate signaling steps.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Steroid hormones, like most lipid-soluble signaling molecules, are processed directly. How does the absence of a signal transduction cascade in the processing of steroid hormones affect (b) signal regulation?
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Textbook Question

Steroid hormones, like most lipid-soluble signaling molecules, are processed directly. How does the absence of a signal transduction cascade in the processing of steroid hormones affect (a) signal amplification?

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Textbook Question

Steroid hormones, like most lipid-soluble signaling molecules, are processed directly. How does the absence of a signal transduction cascade in the processing of steroid hormones affect (b) signal regulation?

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Textbook Question

Suppose you have an antibody that binds to the receptor tyrosine kinase illustrated in Figure 11.16. When you add this antibody to the cell, you find that it activates the cell response, even when no signaling molecule is present. Explain this result.

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