The steroid hormone aldosterone affects only a small number of cells in the body because

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Aldosterone affects only cells that possess aldosterone receptors, which are specific protein molecules that bind to aldosterone and trigger a cellular response. Only cells that have these receptors are considered target cells for aldosterone. Thus, option B is the correct answer as it describes the reason why aldosterone affects only a small number of cells in the body. The other options are incorrect. For instance, option A is not accurate because non-target cells can be exposed to aldosterone but don't show any response because they lack aldosterone receptors. Similarly, option C is incorrect as aldosterone can enter nontarget cells but cannot elicit a response. Option D and E are inaccurate because nontarget cells don't destroy or hydrolyze aldosterone.

The Steroid Hormone Aldosterone Affects Only a Small Number of Cells