What do steroid and peptide hormones typically have in common? a. their solubility in cell membranes b. their requirement for travel through the bloodstream c. the location of their receptors d. their reliance on signal transduction in the cell

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key characteristics of steroid and peptide hormones: Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble and can pass through cell membranes easily, while peptide hormones are water-soluble and cannot pass through cell membranes.
2. Consider the solubility in cell membranes: Steroid hormones are soluble due to their lipid-soluble nature, whereas peptide hormones are not because they are water-soluble.
3. Analyze the requirement for travel through the bloodstream: Both steroid and peptide hormones travel through the bloodstream to reach their target cells.
4. Examine the location of their receptors: Steroid hormone receptors are typically located inside the cell, in the cytoplasm or nucleus, while peptide hormone receptors are located on the cell surface.
5. Evaluate their reliance on signal transduction: Peptide hormones rely on signal transduction pathways involving second messengers to exert their effects, whereas steroid hormones do not generally rely on these pathways as they can directly influence gene expression by interacting with receptors that act as transcription factors.

Key Concepts

Hormone Structure and Solubility

Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble and can easily pass through cell membranes, while peptide hormones are water-soluble and cannot. This difference in solubility affects how each type of hormone interacts with target cells and their receptors.

Transport in the Bloodstream

Both steroid and peptide hormones require transport mechanisms to travel through the bloodstream. Steroid hormones often bind to carrier proteins due to their lipophilic nature, while peptide hormones circulate freely in the blood due to their hydrophilic properties.

Receptor Location and Signal Transduction

Steroid hormones typically bind to intracellular receptors, leading to direct gene regulation, while peptide hormones bind to receptors on the cell surface, initiating signal transduction pathways. This distinction is crucial for understanding how each hormone exerts its effects on target cells.