The Question is from neet-zoology chemical-coordincation-and-integration , and it was created by the author T SAILAJA

Question

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of a steroid hormone like cortisol?

T SAILAJA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Endocrine System and Hormone Action
	**Related Topics**: Steroid Hormones, Intracellular Receptors, Gene Transcription
	**Prerequisites**: Cell Structure, Hormone Signaling
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	The question asks about the mechanism of action of cortisol, a steroid hormone.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. **Steroid Hormone Properties**: Recall that steroid hormones are lipid-soluble.
		Reasoning: This allows them to diffuse across the cell membrane.
	2. **Intracellular Receptors**: Steroid hormones typically bind to receptors located inside the cell (cytoplasm or nucleus).
		Key Point: This is in contrast to peptide hormones which bind to cell surface receptors.
	3. **Gene Transcription**: The hormone-receptor complex then interacts with DNA, influencing gene transcription and ultimately protein synthesis.
		Result: This leads to changes in cell function.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Binding to a cell surface receptor and initiating a signal transduction cascade. This describes the action of peptide hormones, not steroid hormones. Steroid hormones are lipophilic and can pass through the cell membrane.
[B] :x: Activating enzymes in the cytoplasm directly. While some steroid hormones might have rapid effects involving cytoplasmic enzyme interactions, the primary mechanism involves gene transcription regulation.
[C] ✓: Diffusing through the cell membrane, binding to an intracellular receptor, and influencing gene transcription. This accurately describes the classic mechanism of steroid hormone action.
[D] :x: Altering the permeability of the cell membrane to specific ions. This is more characteristic of some neurotransmitters or ion channel-linked receptors, not steroid hormones.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing steroid hormone action with peptide hormone action: Remember that steroid hormones act intracellularly, while peptide hormones act via cell surface receptors.
		2. Thinking all steroid hormone effects are immediate: While some effects can be rapid, the primary mechanism involves gene transcription, which takes time.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Steroids = Intracellular = Gene Transcription
		2. Peptide Hormones = Cell Surface Receptors = Signal Transduction

T SAILAJA · Answer

Binding to a cell surface receptor and initiating a signal transduction cascade

T SAILAJA · Answer

Activating enzymes in the cytoplasm directly

T SAILAJA · Answer

The correct Option is "Diffusing through the cell membrane, binding to an intracellular receptor, and influencing gene transcription"

T SAILAJA · Answer

Altering the permeability of the cell membrane to specific ions

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