Once the hormone binds to the receptor, a chain of events is initiated that leads to the target cell’s response. However, a hormone will only affect the activity of its target cells that is, cells with receptors for that particular hormone. When released into the blood, a hormone circulates freely throughout the body. Understand the various mechanisms for stimulating hormone release.

Identify factors that influence a target cell’s response.Compare and contrast intracellular receptor systems and 2nd messenger systems.Identify the three major structural classes of hormones.

Explain the chemical composition of hormones and the mechanisms of hormone action.īy the end of this section, you will be able to: