Endocrinology is defined as the study of how chemical messenger molecules, referred to as hormones, influence physiological processes. By definition, a hormone is a signaling molecule that is released into the bloodstream, where the hormone can then travel to distant target cells and tissues within the body. Along with the nervous system, the hormones of the endocrine system provide an important means by which information travels within the body. Test your basic knowledge of the endocrine system by taking this simple quiz.
(1) Depending on whether or not the thyroid hormone is bound to its receptor, the thyroid hormone receptor can bind to the response element within the regulatory region of target genes to activate or repress gene expression (i.e., transcription).
(2) Depending on whether or not the steroid hormone is bound to its receptor, steroid hormone receptors can bind to the response element within the regulatory region of target genes to activate or repress gene expression (i.e., transcription).
(3) Unoccupied thyroid hormone receptor binds to the response element within the regulatory region of target genes to __________ gene expression (i.e., transcription).
(4) Thyroid hormone bound thyroid hormone receptor binds to the response element within the regulatory region of target genes to __________ gene expression (i.e., transcription).
(5) Steroid hormone bound steroid hormone receptor binds to the response element within the regulatory region of target genes to __________ gene expression (i.e., transcription).