Which of the following statements about lipid-soluble hormones is true?

• A. They require a carrier protein to travel in the bloodstream.
• B. They are typically derived from amino acids.
• C. They bind to receptors on the cell surface.
• D. They act faster than water-soluble hormones.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of lipid-soluble hormones: These hormones are typically derived from cholesterol, not amino acids, which distinguishes them from many water-soluble hormones.
2. Recognize the transport mechanism: Lipid-soluble hormones are hydrophobic and do not dissolve well in the aqueous environment of the bloodstream. Therefore, they require carrier proteins to travel through the blood.
3. Identify the receptor location: Lipid-soluble hormones can easily pass through the cell membrane due to their hydrophobic nature, so they bind to intracellular receptors rather than receptors on the cell surface.
4. Compare the speed of action: Lipid-soluble hormones generally act slower than water-soluble hormones because they often alter gene expression, which is a more time-consuming process.
5. Review the options: Based on the characteristics of lipid-soluble hormones, the statement 'They require a carrier protein to travel in the bloodstream' is true, while the other options do not accurately describe lipid-soluble hormones.