Question

1. The following statement is similar to those you might see on exams. Write a paragraph of 3-5 sentences describing 1) whether the statement is correct or incorrect and 2) the reasoning for your answer. Your answer should demonstrate your understanding of the physiological concepts underlying the statement and be written professionally.

Cortisol elicits a change in gene expression in every cell that it enters.

PLEASE USE PHYSIOLOGICAL REASONING

Answer 1

Cortisol elicits a change in gene expression in every cell that it enters. This statement is correct. Cortisol is the known steroid hormone,act as a primary messenger. When cortisol enters the cell through the cell membrane ,as it is fat soluble molecule and can enters through the cytoplasmic membrane, it interacts with the specific receptors (glucocorticoid receptors) and makes the cortisol- receptor complex. The interaction of the cortisol with the glucocorticoid receptors causes the dissociation with the heat shock protein (hsp90) present in the cytosol and affects the gene transcription.Glucocorticoid receptors are  present in almost all the cells and act as a ligand dependent transcription factor.Thus, when cortisol enters the cell it elicits a change in gene expression. Cortisol mediates the stress and inflammatory response, regulates the body metabolism and immune function.