Prepare for the Foundations of Biology Exam 1. Dive into key biological concepts with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Ace the exam with our efficient study methods!

Multiple Choice

Which statement about cytoplasmic receptors is true?

Cytoplasmic (intracellular) receptors respond to lipophilic signals that can cross the cell membrane. When such a ligand binds, the receptor changes shape, and the receptor–ligand complex often moves into the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor to regulate gene expression. In this setup, the receptor both detects the signal and executes the response, making it the mediator of the signal inside the cell. This fits the statement because it describes a ligand that crosses the membrane binding to a cytoplasmic receptor, with the complex ultimately influencing gene expression from within the cell, and the receptor performing the transcriptional response. Cytoplasmic receptors are not restricted to the outer surface of the plasma membrane, they can influence gene expression, and they are not extracellular enzymes.

Cytoplasmic (intracellular) receptors respond to lipophilic signals that can cross the cell membrane. When such a ligand binds, the receptor changes shape, and the receptor–ligand complex often moves into the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor to regulate gene expression. In this setup, the receptor both detects the signal and executes the response, making it the mediator of the signal inside the cell.

This fits the statement because it describes a ligand that crosses the membrane binding to a cytoplasmic receptor, with the complex ultimately influencing gene expression from within the cell, and the receptor performing the transcriptional response. Cytoplasmic receptors are not restricted to the outer surface of the plasma membrane, they can influence gene expression, and they are not extracellular enzymes.