How do lipophilic steroid hormones primarily exert their biological effects on target cells?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. By diffusing across the plasma membrane to bind intracellular receptors that act as transcription factors
Steroid hormones (such as cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, and testosterone) are lipid-soluble molecules derived from cholesterol. They readily diffuse through the lipid bilayer and bind to intracellular cytoplasmic or nuclear receptors. The hormone-receptor complex dimerizes, translocates to the nucleus, and binds hormone response elements (HREs) on DNA, modulating gene transcription.
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