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Multiple Choice
Dioxin, produced as a by-product of various industrial chemical processes, is suspected of causing cancer and birth defects in animals and humans. It apparently acts by entering cells and binding to specific proteins, which then enter the nucleus and alter the pattern of gene expression. Therefore, dioxin acts by mimicking the action of __________.
A
proteins of the mitochondria
B
DNA polymerase
C
enhancers
D
histones
E
steroid hormones
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of dioxin: Dioxin is a chemical that can enter cells and influence gene expression by binding to specific proteins.
Identify the mechanism of action: Dioxin binds to proteins that then enter the nucleus and alter gene expression, similar to how certain molecules regulate gene activity.
Compare with known biological processes: Steroid hormones are known to enter cells, bind to receptor proteins, and then move into the nucleus to influence gene expression.
Eliminate incorrect options: Proteins of the mitochondria, DNA polymerase, enhancers, and histones do not mimic this specific mechanism of entering the nucleus to alter gene expression.
Conclude the comparison: Since dioxin acts by entering the nucleus and altering gene expression, it mimics the action of steroid hormones, which follow a similar pathway.