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Question #45474
The Question
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) can act as endocrine disruptors by mimicking native hormones. If a specific POP mimics a water-soluble reproductive hormone but possesses a significantly longer half-life due to resistance against enzymatic degradation, which of the following best explains the mechanism of chronic reproductive failure in the exposed population?
Options
- A.
The POP diffuses across the target cell membrane and permanently binds to intracellular receptors, blocking gene expression.
- B.
Chronic receptor occupancy by the POP triggers constitutive endocytosis and downregulation of membrane-bound receptors, causing desensitization to endogenous hormones.
- C.
The POP acts as a direct competitive inhibitor of adenylate cyclase, preventing the generation of secondary messengers like cAMP.
- D.
Continuous stimulation leads to receptor upregulation, causing a lethal hyper-accumulation of intracellular calcium ions.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Hormone Half-life Logic|Ecological Fitness|Thermal Tolerance Ranges
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students must integrate two concepts: (1) The strict NCERT distinction between water-soluble (membrane-bound) and lipid-soluble (intracellular) hormone mechanisms, and (2) The physiological concept of receptor downregulation.
A common misconception is that a long-lasting agonist will simply cause 'permanent hyper-activation' (Option D trap), failing to account for the cellular adaptation of desensitization via receptor endocytosis.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Chemical Coordination and Integration - Class 11 |
| Concept | Hormone Half-life Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |