What characteristic of a cell identifies it as a target cell for a specific hormone?

• A. The presence of specific receptors for the hormone
• B. The cell's location in the body
• C. The size of the cell
• D. The cell's ability to produce hormones

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to target cells.
2. Recognize that target cells have specific receptors that bind to particular hormones, allowing the hormone to exert its effect.
3. Identify that the presence of specific receptors on the cell membrane or within the cell is what makes a cell a target for a specific hormone.
4. Note that the location, size, or ability to produce hormones does not determine a cell's status as a target cell for a hormone.
5. Conclude that the key characteristic of a target cell is the presence of specific receptors for the hormone in question.