Which of the following best describes the action of an endocrine disruptor?

• A. It enhances the rate of cellular respiration in mitochondria.
• B. It interferes with the normal function of hormones by mimicking or blocking their action.
• C. It directly damages DNA, leading to mutations.
• D. It increases the permeability of the plasma membrane to ions.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'endocrine disruptor.' An endocrine disruptor is a chemical substance that interferes with the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone production and regulation in the body.
2. Step 2: Analyze the role of hormones in the endocrine system. Hormones act as chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes by binding to specific receptors on target cells.
3. Step 3: Consider how an endocrine disruptor might interfere with this system. It can mimic a hormone, leading to overstimulation of the receptor, or block a hormone, preventing it from binding to its receptor and carrying out its normal function.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the provided options. The correct description of an endocrine disruptor should align with its ability to mimic or block hormone action, rather than directly affecting cellular respiration, DNA, or plasma membrane permeability.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'It interferes with the normal function of hormones by mimicking or blocking their action,' as this best describes the mechanism of an endocrine disruptor.