What is a hormone-response element? a. a receptor for a steroid hormone b. a receptor for a polypeptide hormone c. a segment of DNA where a hormone–receptor complex binds d. an enzyme that is activated in response to hormone binding and produces a second messenger

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of molecule or structure each option refers to: a receptor, a segment of DNA, or an enzyme.
2. Understand that hormone-response elements are directly involved with the DNA and gene expression.
3. Recognize that hormone-response elements are not receptors themselves, but rather sites on the DNA.
4. Recall that hormone-receptor complexes can bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate transcription.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is c. a segment of DNA where a hormone–receptor complex binds, as it is the only option that directly involves interaction with DNA.

Key Concepts

Hormone-Response Element (HRE)

A hormone-response element is a specific sequence of DNA located in the promoter region of a gene. It serves as a binding site for hormone-receptor complexes, allowing hormones to regulate gene expression. When a hormone binds to its receptor, the complex interacts with the HRE, influencing the transcription of target genes.

Hormone-Receptor Complex

The hormone-receptor complex is formed when a hormone binds to its specific receptor, which can be located on the cell surface or within the cell. This complex undergoes a conformational change that enables it to interact with DNA at hormone-response elements, thereby modulating gene expression and cellular responses to hormonal signals.

Transcription Regulation

Transcription regulation refers to the mechanisms that control the transcription of genes, determining when and how much of a gene product is made. Hormones can act as signaling molecules that initiate or repress transcription by binding to hormone-response elements, thus playing a crucial role in various physiological processes and maintaining homeostasis.