[Campbell Biology P.1051] Which of the following statements accurately describes a key differ... | Practice Question
Which of the following statements accurately describes a key difference in the response pathways of water-soluble and lipid-soluble hormones?
A: Water-soluble hormones bind to cell-surface receptors, whereas lipid-soluble hormones typically bind to receptors in the cytoplasm or nucleus.
B: Water-soluble hormones diffuse directly through the plasma membrane, while lipid-soluble hormones require transport proteins to enter target cells.
C: Both types of hormones primarily trigger changes in gene transcription, but through different mechanisms.
D: Lipid-soluble hormones are secreted by exocytosis, while water-soluble hormones diffuse out of endocrine cells.
Explanation
Water-soluble hormones, being unable to cross the lipid plasma membrane, bind to specific receptor proteins located on the cell surface. In contrast, lipid-soluble hormones can diffuse across the plasma membrane and bind to intracellular receptors, typically found in the cytoplasm or nucleus, to exert their effects.