Final answer:
A steroid hormone binds to protein receptors that are located in the cytoplasm or nucleus of the target cell, leading to changes in gene expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
A steroid hormone operates via a specific mechanism where it crosses the cell membrane and binds to intracellular receptors. These receptors are protein in nature and they can reside either in the cytoplasm or in the nucleus of the target cell. Upon binding to these receptors, the complex can influence gene expression by acting on the DNA within the nucleus. This means that the accurate answer to the question is that a steroid hormone binds to protein receptors in the cytoplasm or nucleus of the target cell, making Option E the correct choice.
Lipid-derived hormones like steroid hormones and thyroid hormones have the ability to diffuse easily through the plasma membrane due to their solubility in lipids. Once inside the cell, they bind to the protein receptors mentioned earlier. This hormone-receptor complex then moves to the nucleus where it can bind to DNA and regulate the transcription of genes, influencing the production of messenger RNA (mRNA) and consequently the synthesis of proteins that give rise to changes in cell function.