Endocrine System Practice Questions Related

Review Endocrine System Practice Questions related questions and content

Which of the following is a characteristic of steroid hormones?

  • A. catalyze cyclic AMP
  • B. diffuse through the plasma membranes of target cells
  • C. enter the nucleus
  • D. activate genes to transcribe mRNA for protein synthesis
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because steroid hormones are lipid-soluble, allowing them to easily diffuse through the plasma membranes of target cells. Once inside the cell, they bind to intracellular receptors to regulate gene expression. Choice A is incorrect because steroid hormones do not catalyze cyclic AMP; that is a function of peptide hormones. Choice C is incorrect because steroid hormones do not enter the nucleus directly but bind to intracellular receptors in the cytoplasm. Choice D is incorrect because while steroid hormones do activate genes to transcribe mRNA for protein synthesis, the initial step involves binding to receptors in the cytoplasm, not directly activating gene transcription.