Final answer:
The proper order of action for most steroid hormones after entering the cell is to bind to the intracellular receptor, undergo dimerization, translocate to the nucleus, and effect transcription, which corresponds to option (C) III, I, II, IV.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct order of action for most steroid hormones after entering the cell is to first bind to the intracellular receptor (III), which can be located in the cytoplasm or sometimes in the nucleus. Once the steroid hormone has bound to its receptor, the hormone-receptor complex often undergoes dimerization (I) to become fully active. Subsequently, this complex translocates to the nucleus if it isn't already there (II). Finally, the hormone-receptor complex acts as a transcription regulator and effects transcription of specific genes (IV).
Therefore, the proper order of action is: (C) III, I, II, IV.
Steroid hormones cross the plasma membrane due to their lipid-solubility and bind to their respective receptors inside the cell, initiating protein synthesis by affecting gene transcription. This process regulates specific cell processes by altering the levels of proteins synthesized, which may modify the structure of the cell or produce enzymes for chemical reactions.