What is the role of hormones in cellular communication?

Hormones serve a crucial role in cellular communication by acting as signaling molecules that trigger specific responses within target cells. When hormones are released into the bloodstream, they can travel significant distances to reach various tissues and organs. This process facilitates the coordination of complex physiological processes, such as growth, metabolism, and stress responses.

Once a hormone binds to its specific receptor on a target cell, it initiates a cascade of events that ultimately lead to a cellular response. This can include activating or inhibiting certain genes, altering enzymatic activity, or modifying cell behavior. The specificity of hormone-receptor interactions ensures that cells respond appropriately to physiological signals.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not accurately describe the primary role of hormones in cellular communication. For instance, blocking signals between cells does not align with the function of hormones, which are meant to transmit signals rather than impede them. Nutrient transportation is a separate function typically carried out by other molecules like transport proteins, and while structural components are essential for cell architecture, hormones are not involved in forming these structures—rather, they influence how cells function through signaling mechanisms.