The main difference between hormones that have intracellular receptors and those that have cell membrane receptors is that the former tend to be _______:

• A. Larger.
• B. Charged.
• C. Amino acid derivatives.
• D. Proteins.
• E. Hydrophobic.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of hormones: Hormones can be broadly classified based on their solubility and the location of their receptors. Some hormones are hydrophilic and interact with receptors on the cell membrane, while others are hydrophobic and can pass through the cell membrane to interact with intracellular receptors.
2. Identify the characteristics of hormones with intracellular receptors: These hormones are typically hydrophobic, allowing them to diffuse through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane and bind to receptors inside the cell.
3. Consider the options provided: a) Larger, b) Charged, c) Amino acid derivatives, d) Proteins, e) Hydrophobic. Evaluate each option based on the known characteristics of hormones with intracellular receptors.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Larger, charged, amino acid derivatives, and proteins are not defining characteristics of hormones with intracellular receptors. These hormones need to be hydrophobic to pass through the cell membrane.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: The main difference between hormones that have intracellular receptors and those that have cell membrane receptors is that the former tend to be hydrophobic, allowing them to interact with receptors inside the cell.