Describe the differences between hydrophobic and hydrophilic signalling.

Hydrophobic signalling molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer of the membrane due to both being hydrphobic. Once within the cell, the molecule can bind to a receptor or transcription factor to inhibit or enable transcription. Hydrophilic signalling molecules cannot pass through the membrane, instead they must bind to receptors on the extracellular side of the cell membrane. These receptors can be ligand gated channels which open when the molecule binds or they can be G-coupled protein receptors which change shape slightly when the signal binds thus releasing another molecule within the cell which can then bind to a transcription factor like with hydrophibic signalling or can open other channels.

LA
Answered by Lindsey A. Biology tutor

9484 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do the actions of steroid hormones cause proteins to be made?


Describe the synthesis of ATP in oxidative phosphorylation


Gene mutations can arise during DNA replication. Explain why different types of gene mutation may have different effects on the encoded polypeptide.


How would you test a seed for lipids?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning