Principles of Biochemistry

9.2.4 Functioning through the cytoplasmic receptors

The steroid hormone has a specific soluble, oligmeric receptor protein either in the cytosol and/ or inside the nucleus. Once inside the cell the steroid hormone binds with a specific receptor found only in the cytoplasm of the target cell.

The receptor bound steroid hormone then travels into the nucleus and binds to another specific receptor on the chromatin.

Once bound to the chromatin, this steroid hormone-receptor complex calls for the production of messenger RNA(mRNA) molecules through a process called transcription.

The mRNA molecules are then modified and transported to the cytoplasm. These mRNA molecules code for the production of proteins through a process called translation. 

These types of hormones are lipophilic in nature, so theycan diffusethough the  plasma membrane of all cells. e.g. Steroid hormones.  Steroid hormones can BE grouped into five groups by the receptors to which they bind: i)glucocorticoids, ii)mineralocorticoids, iii)androgens, iv)estrogens and v) progestrones.