Final answer:
Thyroid hormones interact with target cells by binding to specific hormone receptors and activating various cellular responses. They increase metabolism, protein synthesis, and sensitivity to fight-or-flight hormones. The hormones also activate genes involved in glucose oxidation, leading to increased metabolism and body heat production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thyroid hormones interact with target cells by binding to specific hormone receptors. Once the hormone binds to the receptor, a chain of events is initiated that leads to the target cell's response. Thyroid hormones, such as T3 and T4, increase the rate of metabolism in cells, stimulate protein synthesis, and increase the sensitivity of cells to fight-or-flight hormones. They also activate genes involved in glucose oxidation, resulting in increased rates of metabolism and body heat production.