Question

you have discovered a novel hormone. early experiments have shown that it is quite hydrophobic. which of the following is likely to also be true of these hormones?
multiple choice
they mostly bind to receptor proteins in the surface membrane of target cells.
they are generally polar molecules
they usually have very rapid effects on target cells
their mechanism of action generally involves altering protein synthesis
they are highly soluble in blood plasma

Explanation:

Hydrophobic hormones (like steroid hormones) can pass through the cell membrane and often act by altering protein synthesis. They bind to intracellular receptors, and these receptor - hormone complexes then bind to DNA to regulate gene expression (which is related to protein synthesis).

• Hormones that bind to surface membrane receptors are usually hydrophilic (e.g., peptide hormones).
• Hydrophobic molecules are non - polar. Polar molecules are hydrophilic.
• Hydrophobic hormones (e.g., steroid hormones) generally have slower - acting effects compared to some hydrophilic hormones (e.g., some amine hormones which can have rapid effects through second - messenger systems at the cell membrane).
• Hydrophobic hormones are not highly soluble in blood plasma (which is aqueous). They are usually transported by carrier proteins.

Answer:

They mechanism of action generally involves altering protein synthesis.