Question

Select all that apply: Which of the following are possible effects of nonsteroid hormones through second messenger activation?

1) They may change the activity of an enzyme.
2) They may induce transcription of specific genes.
3) They may initiate the secretion of hormones or other substances.
4) They may stimulate or inhibit specific metabolic pathways.
5) They may alter membrane permeabilities.

Answer 1

Nonsteroid hormones can affect cells through second messenger systems by changing enzyme activities, initiating secretion of substances, regulating metabolic pathways, and altering membrane permeabilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effects of nonsteroid hormones through second messenger activation are diverse and can impact various cellular processes. These hormones, which include amino acid-derived and polypeptide hormones, are not lipid-soluble and cannot pass directly through the plasma membrane. Instead, they bind to receptors on the cell surface.

• Change the activity of an enzyme: Through the activation of second messengers, such as cyclic AMP (cAMP), nonsteroid hormones can lead to the activation or inhibition of enzymes within the cell.
• Initiate the secretion of hormones or other substances: Binding of nonsteroid hormones to cell surface receptors can trigger signaling pathways that stimulate the release of various cellular products.
• Stimulate or inhibit specific metabolic pathways: Via second messengers and downstream protein phosphorylations, these hormones can regulate different metabolic pathways, either enhancing or suppressing them.
• Alter membrane permeabilities: Some hormones, like insulin, result in the alteration of the cell membrane's permeability to certain substances, influencing cellular activity.