Of the choices below, what is the MOST likely reason that paracrine signaling does not activate the cell that is producing the signaling molecule?
A)The concentration of the signaling molecule is not high enough.
B)The neighboring cells are too far away.
C)The cell does not have the proper receptor.
D)The cell's receptors have a mutation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paracrine signaling involves the secretion of signaling molecules that diffuse locally to nearby cells. For the signaling molecule to activate the cell that produced it, that cell would need to have receptors for that specific signaling molecule. However, it is more common for neighboring cells to have the appropriate receptors, while the cell producing the signal does not. Thus, choice C - the cell does not have the proper receptor - is the most likely reason that paracrine signaling does not activate the cell that is producing the signaling molecule.

Of the Choices Below, What Is the MOST Likely Reason