How do cells in the ovary detect a hormone released from the brain?

• A. They produce the same hormone to initiate a response.
• B. They possess specific receptor proteins that bind to the hormone.
• C. They use gap junctions to receive the hormone from neighboring cells.
• D. They directly absorb the hormone through endocytosis.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of cell signaling: Hormones are chemical messengers released by glands in the body to communicate with target cells. These target cells must have specific mechanisms to detect and respond to the hormone.
2. Learn about receptor proteins: Cells detect hormones through receptor proteins located on their surface or inside the cell. These receptors are highly specific to the hormone they bind to, ensuring precise communication.
3. Explore the mechanism of hormone binding: When a hormone binds to its receptor, it triggers a cascade of intracellular events, leading to a specific cellular response. This process is known as signal transduction.
4. Clarify why other options are incorrect: Cells do not produce the same hormone to initiate a response; instead, they respond to the hormone released by another gland. Gap junctions are used for direct cell-to-cell communication, not for detecting hormones released from distant sources. Endocytosis is not the primary method for hormone detection; receptor binding is the key mechanism.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: Cells in the ovary detect a hormone released from the brain because they possess specific receptor proteins that bind to the hormone, initiating a response.