Any given hormone will influence the activity of __________.

• A. its second-messenger cells
• B. all effector cells
• C. all tissue cells
• D. its target cells

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of hormone action: Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs, influencing various physiological activities.
2. Identify the role of target cells: Hormones exert their effects specifically on target cells, which have receptors that recognize and bind to the hormone.
3. Differentiate between target cells and other cell types: Not all cells in the body respond to a particular hormone; only those with the appropriate receptors are affected.
4. Explore the mechanism of hormone action: Once a hormone binds to its receptor on a target cell, it triggers a series of events inside the cell, often involving second messengers, to elicit a physiological response.
5. Recognize the specificity of hormone action: The specificity of hormone action is due to the presence of specific receptors on target cells, ensuring that only certain cells respond to a given hormone.