Question

Steroid hormones

• A. Work via second messenger
• B. Trigger rapid, short term response in cells
• C. Alter the activity of genes
• D. Initiate open channels in plasma membrane

Answer 1

The correct option is C Alter the activity of genes

Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol. They are in the form of lipids. Their receptors are intracellular i.e. located inside the cell. These hormones are lipid soluble and hence, cross the cell membrane easily to enter the cell. The hormone binds to receptor and a hormone-receptor complex is formed. The complex then binds to transcription factors which then bind to DNA and this causes activation and transcription of a particular gene. This leads to synthesis of specific proteins that affect the metabolism of cells.

Hence, steroid hormones alter the activity of genes.

So, the correct answer is 'Alter the activity of genes'.