AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A target cell responds to a hormone because it bears receptors for the hormone. In other words, a particular cell is a target cell for a hormone if it contains functional receptors for that hormone, and cells which do not have such a receptor cannot be influenced directly by that hormone.

Detailed explanation-2: -For instance, steroid hormones, like the sex hormone groups estrogens and androgens, seek out specific target cells and bind to receptor proteins located inside the nucleus of the cell, as shown below.

Detailed explanation-3: -Much like a lock and key, many hormones act by binding to receptors that are produced within cells. When a hormone binds to a receptor, the receptor carries out the hormone’s instructions, either by altering the cell’s existing proteins or turning on genes that will build a new protein.

Detailed explanation-4: -The main two types of transmembrane receptor hormone receptor are the G-protein-coupled receptors and the enzyme-linked receptors.

Detailed explanation-5: -If a hormone fits the receptor site, then there will be an effect. If a hormone and a receptor site do not match, then there is no reaction. All the cells that have receptor sites for a given hormone make up the target tissue for that hormone. In some cases, the target tissue is localized in a single gland or organ.