Question

Predict the method that estrogen will initiate the reception process in its cell signaling pathway.

a. Estrogen will bind to a transmembrane signal receptor that activates cell-signaling pathways.
b. Estrogen will act as a steroid signal receptor that activates ion channel proteins.
c. Estrogen will serve as a second messenger that activates cell-signaling pathways.
d. Estrogen will bind to a receptor protein that enters the nucleus and activates specific genes.

Answer 1

d. Estrogen will bind to a receptor protein that enters the nucleus and activates specific genes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Estrogens are small lipophilic molecules synthesized from cholesterol. This steroid hormone (estrogen) is able to directly enter into the cell nucleus to bind with their corresponding receptors. Subsequently, estrogen-receptor binding stimulates these receptors to form dimeric structures that bind to DNA and thus activate gene expression. Estrogen receptors interact with DNA and activate gene expression through zinc finger domains composed of four (4) cysteine residues surrounding a zinc atom.