Question

A researcher has discovered a new ligand that can pass through the cell membrane and bind to a receptor in the nucleus. Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding this ligand? A)This ligand is likely a steroid.B)This ligand is likely nonpolar. C)This ligand likely has a similar structure to cholesterol. D)This ligand likely binds to a transmembrane receptor. E)This ligand likely plays a role in transcription.

Answer 1

D)This ligand likely binds to a transmembrane receptor

Step-by-step explanation:

Some ligands bind to a receptor in the nucleus and that type of receptors is called intracellular receptor (unlike transmembrane receptor which is located on the membrane)

Usually, the ligands of intracellular receptors are small, hydrophobic molecules, since they must be pass through the plasma membrane to get to their receptors. For example, hydrophobic steroid hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone are ligands for intracellular receptors.

Intracellular receptors have DNA-binding activity, meaning they can attach to specific sequences of DNA and regulate its gene expression (e.g. transcription).