Biology

The correct answer is: D.They bind to surface receptors and trigger intracellular signaling pathways.

Explanation:

Hydrophilic, protein-based hormones (such as peptide hormones) are water-soluble and cannot pass through the hydrophobic lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. Instead, they bind to receptors on the cell surface. This binding triggers intracellular signaling pathways, often involving secondary messengers like cAMP or inositol trisphosphate (IP3), which lead to various cellular responses.

Here’s why the other options are not correct:

A."They bind to intracellular r...