Question

Many hormones are proteins used in cellular communication. Each hormone carries a specific message to specific target cells. State why each of these hormones is able to deliver a different message.

Answer 1

The correct answer would be "with the help of specific receptors present on target cells".

A hormone is defined as a chemical signal molecule produced by specific endocrine gland in multi-cellular organisms.

These hormones are transported with the help of the circulatory system and help in regulating the functions of specific cells or tissues.

The hormones are highly specific in their functions.

This specificity is achieved with the help of specific receptors present on target cells.

For instance, the receptors of steroidal hormones are present in the cytoplasm or on nuclear membrane whereas the receptors of protein hormones are present the plasma membrane.

Answer 2

The reason as to why each hormone is able to deliver a different and very specific message is because each Hormone affects only specific cells that are called target cells, and also these target cells will bear a particular kind of receptor for a particular hormone. There is something called target cell specificity, such that hormones target a limited number of cells based on the presence of a specific receptor, as they circulate in the bloodstream. Target cells are capable of responding to hormones because they display receptors to which the circulating hormone can bind.