They recognize each other by the presence of specific receptor molecules on the target cells.
A target cell is a cell in the body that recognizes a hormone's chemical structure. It is a cell to which a hormone binds chemically.
Yes, in order for a hormone to exert its effects on a cell, the cell must have specific receptors that can recognize and bind to the hormone. Once the hormone binds to its receptor on the target cell, it triggers a series of cellular responses that lead to the hormone's desired effects.
Hormone receptor
The binding of a hormone to a receptor is the first step. Target cell activation by hormone-receptor interaction depends equally on 3 factors. First the blood levels of the hormone, second ,relative numbers of receptors for that hormone on or in the target cells and the third ,strength of the binding between the hormone cell and the receptors.
Hormone receptors on cell membranes recognize a hormone's chemical structure in the endocrine system. When the hormone binds to the receptor, a cell changes its behavior.
Once a hormone reaches it's target organ or cell, it increases or decreases the action in the organ or cell. This occurs with the metabolism of the hormones and cells.
The target receptor proteins of cells will cause them to affected by a specific protein. These cells are also called "target" cells. Hormones flow via the bloodstream throughout the entire body, but they only affect their specific "target" cells.
Hormones are recognized by specific receptors on target cells that match their chemical structure. These receptors are typically proteins that bind to the hormone molecule, triggering a response within the cell. The binding of the hormone to its receptor initiates a signaling cascade that leads to the cellular response.
Only target cells have receptors inside cytoplazm (for steroid hormones) or on cell membrane (for protein hormones) that make the hormone active.
This situation is known as permissiveness, where one hormone needs the presence of another hormone to exert its full effects on a target cell. An example of this is the action of thyroid hormone being dependent on the presence of cortisol for its full effects on metabolism.
Hormones are chemical messengers. In order to have an effect on a cell then it is necessary for the cell to have the correct receptor proteins. The hormone can bind to these receptor proteins and therefore will affect the cell.
Lipid-soluble signaling molecules like testosterone can easily cross cell membranes due to their hydrophobic nature. However, they only affect target cells because these cells express specific receptors for these molecules. Once inside the target cell, the hormone binds to its specific receptor and triggers a cellular response. Other cells without the specific receptors do not respond to the hormone.