Hormone Origins and Targets - MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Card 1 of 224
Which hormone is responsible for stimulating glucocorticoid release from the adrenal cortex?
Which hormone is responsible for stimulating glucocorticoid release from the adrenal cortex?
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Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is released from the anterior pituitary, and is responsible for stimulating secretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. While cortisol is the most common and physiologically relevant glucocorticoid, others may also be synthesized. Adrenocorticotropic hormone release is stimulated by stress.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is released from the anterior pituitary, and is responsible for stimulating secretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. While cortisol is the most common and physiologically relevant glucocorticoid, others may also be synthesized. Adrenocorticotropic hormone release is stimulated by stress.
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Which hormone is responsible for stimulating glucocorticoid release from the adrenal cortex?
Which hormone is responsible for stimulating glucocorticoid release from the adrenal cortex?
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Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is released from the anterior pituitary, and is responsible for stimulating secretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. While cortisol is the most common and physiologically relevant glucocorticoid, others may also be synthesized. Adrenocorticotropic hormone release is stimulated by stress.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is released from the anterior pituitary, and is responsible for stimulating secretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. While cortisol is the most common and physiologically relevant glucocorticoid, others may also be synthesized. Adrenocorticotropic hormone release is stimulated by stress.
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There are a large variety of over-the-counter pregnancy tests, although all of them share a set of common principles.
These home pregnancy tests are immunoassays which detect the presence of the peptide hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is produced by the fertilized ovum and released into the mother's bloodstream, preventing the degradation of the corpus luteum and thereby preventing menstruation. By the time of the mother's first missed period, hCG levels in the urine are high enough to detect.
The home pregnancy test generally involves dipping a stick containing immobilized hCG monoclonal antibodies into a urine sample. If hCG is present in the urine, it will bind to the monoclonal antibodies on the dipstick. The dipstick is then placed in a solution containing a second monoclonal antibody which recognizes the bound hCG antibody complex on the surface of the dipstick. This second antibody is conjugated to colloidal gold particles which change color when they are immobilized, indicating a positive test result (i.e., pregnancy).
As described in the passage, the home pregnancy test .
There are a large variety of over-the-counter pregnancy tests, although all of them share a set of common principles.
These home pregnancy tests are immunoassays which detect the presence of the peptide hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is produced by the fertilized ovum and released into the mother's bloodstream, preventing the degradation of the corpus luteum and thereby preventing menstruation. By the time of the mother's first missed period, hCG levels in the urine are high enough to detect.
The home pregnancy test generally involves dipping a stick containing immobilized hCG monoclonal antibodies into a urine sample. If hCG is present in the urine, it will bind to the monoclonal antibodies on the dipstick. The dipstick is then placed in a solution containing a second monoclonal antibody which recognizes the bound hCG antibody complex on the surface of the dipstick. This second antibody is conjugated to colloidal gold particles which change color when they are immobilized, indicating a positive test result (i.e., pregnancy).
As described in the passage, the home pregnancy test .
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The test, as described in the passage, simply assays for the presence of hCG in the urine. The person using the test would either obtain a positive or negative result. Whether or not this result is valid remains in question because there are no experimental controls involved. In other words, there is nothing to test whether the test reagents are faulty or the procedure was done incorrectly. A positive control would involve using a sample liquid containing hCG and testing to see whether the pregnancy test could actually detect it. If it can't, then something is wrong. A negative control might involve using a urine sample with no hCG in it and seeing if the test gives a false positive result. Such controls are not included in the test as described in the passage. The other answer choices can be eliminated. The answer: 'is only effective after at least one month of pregnancy' is wrong because the passage states that hCG levels are high enough to be detected by the time of the first missed period (anywhere from 7-14 days from the time of fertilization.)
The answer: 'is inaccurate because hCG can be produced normally in the non-pregnant mother,' can be eliminated because the mother does not produce hCG. If she did, the test would be entirely useless. Only the embryo produces the hormone. The answer choice, 'is inaccurate because hCG is sometimes not produced by the fertilized zygote,' is also incorrect because the embryo must produce hCG in order to prevent menstruation and maintain the corpus luteum. If it doesn't, menstruation will occur and the embryo will be sloughed off with the uterine lining.
The test, as described in the passage, simply assays for the presence of hCG in the urine. The person using the test would either obtain a positive or negative result. Whether or not this result is valid remains in question because there are no experimental controls involved. In other words, there is nothing to test whether the test reagents are faulty or the procedure was done incorrectly. A positive control would involve using a sample liquid containing hCG and testing to see whether the pregnancy test could actually detect it. If it can't, then something is wrong. A negative control might involve using a urine sample with no hCG in it and seeing if the test gives a false positive result. Such controls are not included in the test as described in the passage. The other answer choices can be eliminated. The answer: 'is only effective after at least one month of pregnancy' is wrong because the passage states that hCG levels are high enough to be detected by the time of the first missed period (anywhere from 7-14 days from the time of fertilization.)
The answer: 'is inaccurate because hCG can be produced normally in the non-pregnant mother,' can be eliminated because the mother does not produce hCG. If she did, the test would be entirely useless. Only the embryo produces the hormone. The answer choice, 'is inaccurate because hCG is sometimes not produced by the fertilized zygote,' is also incorrect because the embryo must produce hCG in order to prevent menstruation and maintain the corpus luteum. If it doesn't, menstruation will occur and the embryo will be sloughed off with the uterine lining.
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Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of the anterior pituitary?
Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of the anterior pituitary?
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Milk production is influenced by prolactin (produced in the anterior pituitary). Bone growth is influenced by growth hormone (produced in the anterior pituitary). Ovulation is controlled by luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone (both produced in the anterior pituitary). T4, a thyroid hormone, is controlled by thyroid-stimulating hormone (produced in the anterior pituitary). Water retention, on the other hand, is controlled by antidiuretic hormone (produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary).
Milk production is influenced by prolactin (produced in the anterior pituitary). Bone growth is influenced by growth hormone (produced in the anterior pituitary). Ovulation is controlled by luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone (both produced in the anterior pituitary). T4, a thyroid hormone, is controlled by thyroid-stimulating hormone (produced in the anterior pituitary). Water retention, on the other hand, is controlled by antidiuretic hormone (produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary).
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Scientists use a process called Flourescent In-Situ Hybridization, or FISH, to study genetic disorders in humans. FISH is a technique that uses spectrographic analysis to determine the presence or absence, as well as the relative abundance, of genetic material in human cells.
To use FISH, scientists apply fluorescently-labeled bits of DNA of a known color, called probes, to samples of test DNA. These probes anneal to the sample DNA, and scientists can read the colors that result using laboratory equipment. One common use of FISH is to determine the presence of extra DNA in conditions of aneuploidy, a state in which a human cell has an abnormal number of chromosomes. Chromosomes are collections of DNA, the totality of which makes up a cell’s genome. Another typical use is in the study of cancer cells, where scientists use FISH labels to ascertain if genes have moved inappropriately in a cell’s genome.
Using red fluorescent tags, scientists label probe DNA for a gene known to be expressed more heavily in cancer cells than normal cells. They then label a probe for an immediately adjacent DNA sequence with a green fluorescent tag. Both probes are then added to three dishes, shown below. In dish 1 human bladder cells are incubated with the probes, in dish 2 human epithelial cells are incubated, and in dish 3 known non-cancerous cells are used. The relative luminescence observed in regions of interest in all dishes is shown below.
Aneuploidy can also affect some fertilized zygotes after abnormalities in fertilization or gametogenesis. Aneuploid zygotes are typically spontaneously aborted before a pregnancy comes to term. A normal zygote binds to uterine endometrium while it is at its thickest, supported by progesterone secretion from which of the following?
Scientists use a process called Flourescent In-Situ Hybridization, or FISH, to study genetic disorders in humans. FISH is a technique that uses spectrographic analysis to determine the presence or absence, as well as the relative abundance, of genetic material in human cells.
To use FISH, scientists apply fluorescently-labeled bits of DNA of a known color, called probes, to samples of test DNA. These probes anneal to the sample DNA, and scientists can read the colors that result using laboratory equipment. One common use of FISH is to determine the presence of extra DNA in conditions of aneuploidy, a state in which a human cell has an abnormal number of chromosomes. Chromosomes are collections of DNA, the totality of which makes up a cell’s genome. Another typical use is in the study of cancer cells, where scientists use FISH labels to ascertain if genes have moved inappropriately in a cell’s genome.
Using red fluorescent tags, scientists label probe DNA for a gene known to be expressed more heavily in cancer cells than normal cells. They then label a probe for an immediately adjacent DNA sequence with a green fluorescent tag. Both probes are then added to three dishes, shown below. In dish 1 human bladder cells are incubated with the probes, in dish 2 human epithelial cells are incubated, and in dish 3 known non-cancerous cells are used. The relative luminescence observed in regions of interest in all dishes is shown below.
Aneuploidy can also affect some fertilized zygotes after abnormalities in fertilization or gametogenesis. Aneuploid zygotes are typically spontaneously aborted before a pregnancy comes to term. A normal zygote binds to uterine endometrium while it is at its thickest, supported by progesterone secretion from which of the following?
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The corpus luteum forms after ovulation, when a pregnancy would be most expected. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which maintains the endometrium for potential implantation.
The corpus luteum forms after ovulation, when a pregnancy would be most expected. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which maintains the endometrium for potential implantation.
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When calcitonin is released into the blood stream, the activity of which cell type is increased the most?
When calcitonin is released into the blood stream, the activity of which cell type is increased the most?
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Calcitonin is a hormone secreted by the thyroid in response to increased blood calcium levels. It counteracts high blood calcium by stimulating the deposit of calcium into bone. Osteoblasts are the most active cells in building the hydroxyapatite matrix of bone, and would be most stimulated by the release of calcitonin.
Osteocytes are matured osteoblasts in the bond interior, and are more active in signaling and regulation than bond formation. Osteoclasts counteract osteoblasts and break down bone, usually in response to parathyroid hormone. Hydroxyapatite is the crystalline matrix encasing the bone cells, but is not a type of cell itself. Erythropoietic stem cells reside in the bone marrow and produce blood cells, but are not involved in calcium regulation.
Calcitonin is a hormone secreted by the thyroid in response to increased blood calcium levels. It counteracts high blood calcium by stimulating the deposit of calcium into bone. Osteoblasts are the most active cells in building the hydroxyapatite matrix of bone, and would be most stimulated by the release of calcitonin.
Osteocytes are matured osteoblasts in the bond interior, and are more active in signaling and regulation than bond formation. Osteoclasts counteract osteoblasts and break down bone, usually in response to parathyroid hormone. Hydroxyapatite is the crystalline matrix encasing the bone cells, but is not a type of cell itself. Erythropoietic stem cells reside in the bone marrow and produce blood cells, but are not involved in calcium regulation.
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The activity of which of the following increases when parathyroid hormone is released into the blood stream?
The activity of which of the following increases when parathyroid hormone is released into the blood stream?
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Parathyroid hormone causes calcium to be released from the bone into the blood stream, raising blood calcium levels. Osteoclasts reside in bone and are responsible for resorbing the hydroxyapatite matrix, releasing sequestered calcium into the blood.
Osteoblasts counter osteoclasts, building the hydroxyapatite matrix and sequestering calcium stores. Osteocytes are mostly involved in signaling. The parathyroid gland releases parathyroid hormone, but is not affected by the hormone itself. T-cell mature in the thyroid, and are not affected by parathyroid activity.
Parathyroid hormone causes calcium to be released from the bone into the blood stream, raising blood calcium levels. Osteoclasts reside in bone and are responsible for resorbing the hydroxyapatite matrix, releasing sequestered calcium into the blood.
Osteoblasts counter osteoclasts, building the hydroxyapatite matrix and sequestering calcium stores. Osteocytes are mostly involved in signaling. The parathyroid gland releases parathyroid hormone, but is not affected by the hormone itself. T-cell mature in the thyroid, and are not affected by parathyroid activity.
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A person who has over-functioning pancreatic alpha cells may display what clinical feature?
A person who has over-functioning pancreatic alpha cells may display what clinical feature?
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The pancreatic alpha cells produce the hormone glucagon, which is responsible for stimulating gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Gluconeogenesis is de novo formation of glucose, while glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. An increase in glucagon production through hyperactive alpha cells will result in increased blood glucose levels, at least temporarily. In a healthy individual, this will be combatted by an increase in insulin production from the pancreatic beta cell.
The pancreatic alpha cells produce the hormone glucagon, which is responsible for stimulating gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. Gluconeogenesis is de novo formation of glucose, while glycogenolysis is the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. An increase in glucagon production through hyperactive alpha cells will result in increased blood glucose levels, at least temporarily. In a healthy individual, this will be combatted by an increase in insulin production from the pancreatic beta cell.
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The hypothalamus uses two specialized types of neuron to stimulate the pituitary. Magnocellular neurons carry hormones directly to the posterior pituitary. Parvocellular neurons secrete hormones into the hypophyseal portal system, where they are delivered to the anterior pituitary.
The magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus are responsible for secreting which hormone?
The hypothalamus uses two specialized types of neuron to stimulate the pituitary. Magnocellular neurons carry hormones directly to the posterior pituitary. Parvocellular neurons secrete hormones into the hypophyseal portal system, where they are delivered to the anterior pituitary.
The magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus are responsible for secreting which hormone?
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The hypothalamus is divided up into two parts: the magnocellular neurons and the parvocellular neurons. The magnocellular neurons synthesize antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin, which are then transported to the posterior pituitary for secretion. The parvocellular neurons secrete hormones such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which are released into portal circulation to be transported to the anterior pituitary.
The hypothalamus is divided up into two parts: the magnocellular neurons and the parvocellular neurons. The magnocellular neurons synthesize antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin, which are then transported to the posterior pituitary for secretion. The parvocellular neurons secrete hormones such as corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which are released into portal circulation to be transported to the anterior pituitary.
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Glucose levels in the blood are maintained through the competing actions of two main hormones: insulin and glucagon. Other hormones like somatostatin, and catecholamines, such as acetylcholine, also serve to modulate glucose levels in the blood. Which molecule is produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas?
Glucose levels in the blood are maintained through the competing actions of two main hormones: insulin and glucagon. Other hormones like somatostatin, and catecholamines, such as acetylcholine, also serve to modulate glucose levels in the blood. Which molecule is produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas?
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Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans are responsible for producing and secreting insulin in response to high blood glucose levels. In type I diabetes these cells are destroyed by an autoimmune process, while in type II diabetes they are replaced with scar tissue.
Alpha and delta cells in the islets of Langerhans produce glucagon and somatostatin, respectively. Neurons release acetylcholine to modulate glucose control through indirect processes.
Beta cells in the islets of Langerhans are responsible for producing and secreting insulin in response to high blood glucose levels. In type I diabetes these cells are destroyed by an autoimmune process, while in type II diabetes they are replaced with scar tissue.
Alpha and delta cells in the islets of Langerhans produce glucagon and somatostatin, respectively. Neurons release acetylcholine to modulate glucose control through indirect processes.
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Glucose levels in the blood are maintained through the competing actions of two main hormones: insulin and glucagon. Other hormones, such as somatostatin, and catecholamines, such as acetylcholine, also serve to modulate glucose levels in the blood. Which molecule is produced by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas?
Glucose levels in the blood are maintained through the competing actions of two main hormones: insulin and glucagon. Other hormones, such as somatostatin, and catecholamines, such as acetylcholine, also serve to modulate glucose levels in the blood. Which molecule is produced by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas?
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Alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans are responsible for producing and secreting glucagon in response to high blood glucose levels. Insulin antagonizes the alpha cells to prevent glucagon release. In diabetes, when the beta cells of the pancreas are not functional, extremely high levels of glucagon exist in the blood due to loss of the negative feedback loop.
Beta and delta cells in the islets of Langerhans produce insulin and somatostatin, respectively. Neurons release acetylcholine to modulate glucose control through indirect processes.
Alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans are responsible for producing and secreting glucagon in response to high blood glucose levels. Insulin antagonizes the alpha cells to prevent glucagon release. In diabetes, when the beta cells of the pancreas are not functional, extremely high levels of glucagon exist in the blood due to loss of the negative feedback loop.
Beta and delta cells in the islets of Langerhans produce insulin and somatostatin, respectively. Neurons release acetylcholine to modulate glucose control through indirect processes.
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Type I diabetes is the result of an immune-mediated destruction of the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Which hormone would be expected to be elevated in type I diabetes?
Type I diabetes is the result of an immune-mediated destruction of the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Which hormone would be expected to be elevated in type I diabetes?
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The first key to understanding this question is remembering that beta cells in the pancreas are responsible for secreting insulin. If the beta cells are destroyed, then insulin levels are low. Insulin and glucagon act in opposite ways to keep the concentration of blood glucose in the normal range, providing a negative feedback loop. Insulin inhibits glucagon, and glucagon inhibits insulin. If insulin is low, then glucagon will not be inhibited and will be produced at higher levels than normal.
The first key to understanding this question is remembering that beta cells in the pancreas are responsible for secreting insulin. If the beta cells are destroyed, then insulin levels are low. Insulin and glucagon act in opposite ways to keep the concentration of blood glucose in the normal range, providing a negative feedback loop. Insulin inhibits glucagon, and glucagon inhibits insulin. If insulin is low, then glucagon will not be inhibited and will be produced at higher levels than normal.
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Type II diabetes results from prolonged overstimulation of the pancreatic beta cells as a result of obesity and chronically elevated glucose levels. After the beta cells have been overactive for an extended period of time, they begin functioning poorly and the person is considered diabetic. In a type II diabetes, what are the expected levels of insulin and glucagon with respect to normal values?
Type II diabetes results from prolonged overstimulation of the pancreatic beta cells as a result of obesity and chronically elevated glucose levels. After the beta cells have been overactive for an extended period of time, they begin functioning poorly and the person is considered diabetic. In a type II diabetes, what are the expected levels of insulin and glucagon with respect to normal values?
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Type II diabetes results from an eventual lack of function of the pancreatic beta cells. The first step to this problem is remembering that the beta cells produce insulin. If the beta cells do not function, insulin levels will be decreased. The second step to this problem is remembering that insulin and glucagon have contrasting actions in the regulation of blood glucose levels. They act in a negative feedback loop: insulin inhibits glucagon release, and glucagon inhibits insulin release. If insulin levels are low, then glucagon will no longer be inhibited. As a result, we would observe low levels of insulin and elevated levels of glucagon.
Type II diabetes results from an eventual lack of function of the pancreatic beta cells. The first step to this problem is remembering that the beta cells produce insulin. If the beta cells do not function, insulin levels will be decreased. The second step to this problem is remembering that insulin and glucagon have contrasting actions in the regulation of blood glucose levels. They act in a negative feedback loop: insulin inhibits glucagon release, and glucagon inhibits insulin release. If insulin levels are low, then glucagon will no longer be inhibited. As a result, we would observe low levels of insulin and elevated levels of glucagon.
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Which of the following hormones is least directly regulated by the anterior pituitary?
Which of the following hormones is least directly regulated by the anterior pituitary?
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Epinephrine is released from the adrenal medulla and regulated by the sympathetic system.
Cortisone, progesterone, and thyroxin are regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), respectively. These regulatory hormones are all released from the anterior pituitary. ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex to stimulate glucocorticoid release, including cortisone. LH acts on the ovaries to mediate estrogen and progesterone release. TSH acts on the thyroid to mediate the release of T3 and T4. T4 is also known as thyroxine.
Epinephrine is released from the adrenal medulla and regulated by the sympathetic system.
Cortisone, progesterone, and thyroxin are regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), respectively. These regulatory hormones are all released from the anterior pituitary. ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex to stimulate glucocorticoid release, including cortisone. LH acts on the ovaries to mediate estrogen and progesterone release. TSH acts on the thyroid to mediate the release of T3 and T4. T4 is also known as thyroxine.
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Which of the following statements concerning hormonal transport is true?
Which of the following statements concerning hormonal transport is true?
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The type of transport that a hormone will have through the bloodstream depends on the type of hormone. Peptide hormones are polar and can move freely through the bloodstream, while lipid soluble hormones require a carrier protein in order to move through the blood. The pancreatic hormones, glucagon and insulin, are peptide hormones. This means they can move through the bloodstream without a carrier protein.
In contrast, steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and thyroid hormones are derived from tyrosine. Both of these hormone classes are lipid soluble, and require transport proteins to travel through the blood. The hormone-protein unit is known as a chylomicron.
The type of transport that a hormone will have through the bloodstream depends on the type of hormone. Peptide hormones are polar and can move freely through the bloodstream, while lipid soluble hormones require a carrier protein in order to move through the blood. The pancreatic hormones, glucagon and insulin, are peptide hormones. This means they can move through the bloodstream without a carrier protein.
In contrast, steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and thyroid hormones are derived from tyrosine. Both of these hormone classes are lipid soluble, and require transport proteins to travel through the blood. The hormone-protein unit is known as a chylomicron.
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A male gymnast is suspected for using anabolic steroids (i.e. testosterone) to enhance in his athletic performance. Which of the following would you expect to be decreased in his blood?
A male gymnast is suspected for using anabolic steroids (i.e. testosterone) to enhance in his athletic performance. Which of the following would you expect to be decreased in his blood?
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All three hormones—luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone—are part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. One should be familiar with this axis and with the fact that testosterone exerts negative control at both the level of the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary.
All three hormones—luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone—are part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. One should be familiar with this axis and with the fact that testosterone exerts negative control at both the level of the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary.
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Which of the following hormones is not synthesized in the pituitary gland?
Which of the following hormones is not synthesized in the pituitary gland?
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Oxytocin is the only hormone mentioned that is synthesized in the hypothalamus, but secreted by the posterior pituitary.
Oxytocin is the only hormone mentioned that is synthesized in the hypothalamus, but secreted by the posterior pituitary.
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Which of these is NOT true of steroid hormones?
Which of these is NOT true of steroid hormones?
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Because of their nonpolar nature, steroid hormones can easily cross the cell membrane. This enables the hormone to work with its receptor, commonly located inside the cell. Their effects are long-lived since they involve genetic alteration at the transcription level. This, however, also means that steroid hormones take longer than peptide hormones to produce a response.
Because of their nonpolar nature, steroid hormones can easily cross the cell membrane. This enables the hormone to work with its receptor, commonly located inside the cell. Their effects are long-lived since they involve genetic alteration at the transcription level. This, however, also means that steroid hormones take longer than peptide hormones to produce a response.
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Which of the following is NOT one of the tropic hormones released by the anterior pituitary?
Which of the following is NOT one of the tropic hormones released by the anterior pituitary?
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Prolactin is an example of a non-tropic hormone released by the anterior pituitary.
Prolactin is an example of a non-tropic hormone released by the anterior pituitary.
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There are a large variety of over-the-counter pregnancy tests, although all of them share a set of common principles.
These home pregnancy tests are immunoassays which detect the presence of the peptide hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is produced by the fertilized ovum and released into the mother's bloodstream, preventing the degradation of the corpus luteum and thereby preventing menstruation. By the time of the mother's first missed period, hCG levels in the urine are high enough to detect.
The home pregnancy test generally involves dipping a stick containing immobilized hCG monoclonal antibodies into a urine sample. If hCG is present in the urine, it will bind to the monoclonal antibodies on the dipstick. The dipstick is then placed in a solution containing a second monoclonal antibody which recognizes the bound hCG antibody complex on the surface of the dipstick. This second antibody is conjugated to colloidal gold particles which change color when they are immobilized, indicating a positive test result (i.e., pregnancy).
The mechanism by which hCG acts on its target cells is most similar to that of .
There are a large variety of over-the-counter pregnancy tests, although all of them share a set of common principles.
These home pregnancy tests are immunoassays which detect the presence of the peptide hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is produced by the fertilized ovum and released into the mother's bloodstream, preventing the degradation of the corpus luteum and thereby preventing menstruation. By the time of the mother's first missed period, hCG levels in the urine are high enough to detect.
The home pregnancy test generally involves dipping a stick containing immobilized hCG monoclonal antibodies into a urine sample. If hCG is present in the urine, it will bind to the monoclonal antibodies on the dipstick. The dipstick is then placed in a solution containing a second monoclonal antibody which recognizes the bound hCG antibody complex on the surface of the dipstick. This second antibody is conjugated to colloidal gold particles which change color when they are immobilized, indicating a positive test result (i.e., pregnancy).
The mechanism by which hCG acts on its target cells is most similar to that of .
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From the passage we learn that hCG is a peptide hormone. Peptide hormones act by binding to receptors on the plasma membranes of their target cells. This binding then triggers a signaling cascade which results in the transcription of specific genes. Peptide hormones can't cross the plasma membrane directly because they are not lipid soluble. Glucagon is a peptide hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas; it therefore uses a similar mechanism to that of hCG.The other answer choices can be eliminated because they are steroid hormones. These act by directly crossing the plasma membrane and binding to receptors either in the cytoplasm or in the nucleus.
From the passage we learn that hCG is a peptide hormone. Peptide hormones act by binding to receptors on the plasma membranes of their target cells. This binding then triggers a signaling cascade which results in the transcription of specific genes. Peptide hormones can't cross the plasma membrane directly because they are not lipid soluble. Glucagon is a peptide hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas; it therefore uses a similar mechanism to that of hCG.The other answer choices can be eliminated because they are steroid hormones. These act by directly crossing the plasma membrane and binding to receptors either in the cytoplasm or in the nucleus.
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