A signalling molecule, epinephrine (adrenaline), is released from the adrenal gland when a human feels threatened - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 3 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 3
A signalling molecule, epinephrine (adrenaline), is released from the adrenal gland when a human feels threatened. The molecule is transported in the bloodstream and... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A signalling molecule, epinephrine (adrenaline), is released from the adrenal gland when a human feels threatened - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 3 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
a. To which group of signalling molecules does epinephrine belong?
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Answer
Epinephrine belongs to the group of signaling molecules known as hormones. Specifically, it is classified as a catecholamine, which is a type of hormone derived from the amino acid tyrosine.
Step 2
b. Receptors for epinephrine are found on the exterior surface of the plasma membrane of cells. What does this suggest about the nature of the epinephrine molecule?
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Answer
The presence of receptors for epinephrine on the exterior surface of the plasma membrane suggests that epinephrine is a hydrophilic (water-soluble) molecule. This property allows it to interact with receptor proteins on the cell surface, enabling it to trigger specific cellular responses without needing to enter the cell.