OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Get ready for the OCR GCSE Biology exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions. Understand the exam format, key topics, and effective study strategies to excel.

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What are target cells?

Cells that do not respond to hormones
Cells that have receptors for specific hormones
Cells responsible for hormone production
Cells located in the digestive tract

The correct answer is: Cells that have receptors for specific hormones

Target cells are defined as cells that have specific receptors for particular hormones. This means they are capable of responding to those hormones when they bind to these receptors, initiating a specific cellular response. For example, insulin has target cells in the liver, muscle, and fat tissues that have insulin receptors; when insulin binds to these receptors, it prompts those cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream. The other choices describe different cell functions or characteristics. Some cells may not have the proper receptors to respond to certain hormones, while others are involved in hormone production or are related to digestive functions, but they do not exhibit the defining quality of target cells—having those specific receptors that facilitate hormonal communication.