Question

Cells of the adrenal gland produce cortisol in response to low glucose levels. Cortisol travels through the blood stream to other regions of the body, like fat or muscle, to signal production of glucose. This is an example of ________ signaling. Ligands involved in this signaling are typically what class of molecule?

Answer 1

The signaling process described is an example of endocrine signaling using glucocorticoids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The signaling process described in the question is an example of endocrine signaling. In endocrine signaling, hormones are produced by a gland and travel through the bloodstream to target cells in different parts of the body. In this case, the adrenal gland produces cortisol in response to low glucose levels, and cortisol signals the production of glucose in other regions of the body.

The ligands involved in this signaling are glucocorticoids, which are a class of steroid hormones. Cortisol, the specific glucocorticoid mentioned in the question, acts as the ligand in this signaling process.