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All amino acid derived hormones bind cell membrane receptors except one lipid-soluble group. Which group is the exception?

APeptide hormones
BProtein hormones
CThyroid hormones
DCatecholamines
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Thyroid hormones
1. A receptor sits inside the cell only for hormones that can cross the lipid bilayer. 2. Steroids cross easily because cholesterol is their parent molecule. 3. Thyroid hormones carry benzene rings studded with iodine, which makes them lipid soluble as well. 4. So thyroid hormones enter the cell and reach receptors that are already bound to DNA. 5. Peptide and protein hormones are hydrophilic and must signal from the cell surface through a second messenger. 6. Catecholamines are also water soluble, so they too stay at the membrane and never reach a nuclear receptor. _Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 17 "The Endocrine System", section 17.2 Hormones_
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