Fill in the Blank QuestionFill in the blank question.In order for a hormone to act on a target cell, it must bind to a specific .

In order for a hormone to act on a target cell, it must bind to a specific receptor.

Hormones are chemical messengers that are released into the bloodstream and travel to various tissues and organs throughout the body. However, they only exert their effects on specific target cells that possess the appropriate receptors. These receptors are proteins that are uniquely shaped to recognize and bind to specific hormones. Once a hormone binds to its receptor, it triggers a series of biochemical responses within the target cell, leading to the desired physiological changes. This mechanism ensures that hormones exert their effects only on cells that need them, maintaining the body's homeostasis and regulating various body processes.