Hormones are _____?


a) produced only in response to environmental stress
b) are all under the control of the pituitary gland
c) signals that must interact with DNA in order to be effective
d) always proteins

I feel like it is b) because hormone receptors are always proteins, but I am not quite sure.

the correct answer is c) signals that must interact with DNA in order to be effective. i just did this problem on mastering biology

To determine the correct answer, let's break down each option and see if it aligns with the characteristics of hormones:

a) Produced only in response to environmental stress:
This statement is not accurate. Hormones are produced by various glands in the body and are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, not just in response to environmental stress. So, this option can be eliminated.

b) Are all under the control of the pituitary gland:
While the pituitary gland plays a crucial role in regulating many hormones in the body, it is not true that all hormones are under its control. Several other glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs, also produce hormones. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

c) Signals that must interact with DNA in order to be effective:
This statement is partially correct. Steroid hormones, which include hormones like estrogen and testosterone, do interact with DNA to exert their effects. However, not all hormones require interaction with DNA to be effective. Some hormones, such as peptide hormones like insulin, work through different mechanisms that do not involve direct interaction with DNA. Hence, this option is also not accurate.

d) Always proteins:
This statement is not true. While some hormones are proteins, not all hormones are exclusively or always proteins. Hormones can be classified into different groups, including proteins, steroids, peptides, and amines. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Considering the analysis of each option, none of the provided options accurately describe the nature of hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions and can be produced by different glands in the body. While some hormones may interact with DNA, others may utilize different mechanisms, and they are not exclusively proteins. So, the answer choice is not provided in the given options.