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Ch. 9 The Endocrine System
Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb 13th EditionCh. 9 The Endocrine SystemProblem 11
Chapter 9, Problem 11

Explain what mechanism of hormone action is occurring in this image. How does it work? Give an example of a hormone that uses this mechanism.
Illustration of hormone action mechanism: hormone binds to receptor, triggering gene expression in the nucleus. Example: steroid hormones.

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Step 1: Identify the mechanism of hormone action depicted in the image. Hormones typically act through one of two mechanisms: intracellular receptor binding (lipid-soluble hormones) or cell surface receptor binding (water-soluble hormones). Determine which type is shown based on the image details.
Step 2: If the hormone binds to a cell surface receptor, explain the process of signal transduction. This involves the hormone (first messenger) binding to the receptor, activating a G-protein, which then triggers a second messenger system (e.g., cyclic AMP or Ca²⁺). This amplifies the signal and leads to cellular responses.
Step 3: If the hormone binds to an intracellular receptor, describe how lipid-soluble hormones like steroid hormones diffuse through the cell membrane, bind to receptors in the cytoplasm or nucleus, and directly influence gene transcription to produce specific proteins.
Step 4: Provide an example of a hormone that uses the mechanism depicted. For cell surface receptor mechanisms, an example is epinephrine, which uses the cyclic AMP pathway. For intracellular receptor mechanisms, an example is cortisol, which binds to nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression.
Step 5: Summarize the importance of this mechanism in maintaining homeostasis and regulating physiological processes, emphasizing how the hormone's action leads to specific cellular responses tailored to the body's needs.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hormone Action Mechanisms

Hormones exert their effects through specific mechanisms of action, which can be broadly categorized into two types: hydrophilic and lipophilic. Hydrophilic hormones, such as peptides, bind to receptors on the cell surface, triggering a cascade of intracellular signaling. In contrast, lipophilic hormones, like steroid hormones, pass through the cell membrane and bind to intracellular receptors, directly influencing gene expression.
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Signal Transduction

Signal transduction refers to the process by which a cell responds to external signals, such as hormones. This involves the binding of a hormone to its receptor, leading to a series of biochemical events that amplify the signal and result in a specific cellular response. This process is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and regulating various physiological functions.
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Example of a Hormone

An example of a hormone that utilizes the mechanism of action described is insulin. Insulin is a peptide hormone that binds to insulin receptors on the surface of target cells, such as muscle and fat cells. This binding activates a signaling pathway that facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream, demonstrating how hormone action can directly influence metabolic processes.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Provide one example for each way endocrine glands are stimulated to release their hormones.

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Hormones that act to decrease the blood glucose level include

a. Insulin

b. Glucagon

c. Epinephrine

d. Growth hormone

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply. The element needed for thyroid gland function is

a. Potassium

b. Iodine

c. Calcium

d. Manganese

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply. In the hormone-signaling pathway represented in the figure,_________ is the first messenger, and _______is the second messenger that will signal a change in cell activity.

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Which events occur shortly after eating?

a. Use of amino acids as a major source of energy

b. Lipogenesis (and fat deposit)

c. Breakdown of fat reserves

d. Increased uptake of glucose by skeletal muscles and other body tissues

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Textbook Question

Describe the chemical nature of hormones.

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