The direct mechanism
Capillary
Carrier
Target cell
Cell membrane (lipid bilayer)
Nucleus
DNA
Ribosomes
Receptor
Receptor
1
Diffuses through the membrane
2
Binds its receptor inside the cell
3
Hormone–receptor complex binds DNA
4
Gene switched on → mRNA
mRNA
Transporter
Enzyme
New protein
5
New proteins change the cell
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