[Campbell Biology P.1049] A key characteristic of hormone action, as described in the text, i... | Practice Question

A key characteristic of hormone action, as described in the text, is that a hormone:

  • A: Only affects cells in its immediate vicinity.
  • B: Binds to specific receptors on target cells to elicit a response.
  • C: Is always secreted by neurons.
  • D: Affects all cells equally in the body it reaches.

Explanation

The text states: 'Although a given hormone reaches all cells of the body, it only elicits a response...in specific target cells, those that have a receptor that binds the hormone specifically. Cells lacking a receptor for that hormone are unaffected.' This directly supports option B.