A common second messenger used in signaling pathways of water-soluble hormones is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: cAMP. Water-soluble hormones, such as adrenaline or glucagon, bind to cell surface receptors and activate a signaling cascade that often involves cAMP as a second messenger. Upon hormone binding, the receptor activates adenylyl cyclase, which converts ATP to cAMP. cAMP then activates protein kinase A, leading to phosphorylation of target proteins, ultimately affecting cellular responses.
Explanation for incorrect choices:
A: tRNA is involved in protein synthesis, not in signaling pathways of water-soluble hormones.
B: ATP is used as an energy source in various cellular processes, but it is not a second messenger in hormone signaling pathways.
D: PTH (parathyroid hormone) is a hormone involved in calcium regulation and does not act through cAMP signaling in the same manner as water-soluble hormones.