If the L1/2 of a ligand-receptor has been determined to be approximately 40ng/mL. What would be the expected concentration range of ligand in the bloodstream if this were to be a hormone?

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Question restatement: You are told that the L1/2 (half-maximal effective concentration, often related to receptor binding) of a ligand-receptor system is approximately 40 ng/mL, and you’re asked what the expected concentration range of the ligand would be in the bloodstream if this ligand acts as a hormone.
Option 1: 'it would likely be much higher than the L1/2' This is unlikely for a hormone in typical receptor-ligand dynamics. If circulating levels were much higher than the L1/2, you would expect very high receptor occupancy and potential desensitization or saturation effects; endocrine signaling does not generally require circulating concentrations vastly exceeding the L1/2 to exert function. Thus this choice overestimates the necessary plasma level.
Option 2: 'It would need to be approximately 10 ng/mL' This value is below the given L1/2 (40 ng/mL). While certain hormones can have varying physiological ranges, asserting a fixed value like 10 ng/mL without context misrepresents the relationship between L1/2 and expected blood concentration. The question asks for a range relative to L1/2 rather than a specific unrelated number, making this option less credible.
Option 3: 'it would need to be lower than the L1/2' This aligns with the general principle that receptor occupancy (and thus activity) reaches about 50% at the L1/2. Physiological signaling for hormones often operates with circulating levels around or below the L1/2, especially when downstream amplification or high receptor sensitivity exists. Therefore, a concentration lower than 40 ng/mL is a plausible and common scenario for hormonal action.
Option 4: 'it would have to be at least in the range of the L1/2' While being around the L1/2 could produce substantial receptor occupancy, saying it must be at least at that level is overly restrictive. Hormonal effects can occur below, at, or even above the L1/2 depending on receptor affinity, down-stream signaling, half-life, and amplification. This makes this option too prescriptive and not universally applicable.
In summary, the most consistent choice with receptor-ligand dynamics and hormone signaling principles is that circulating levels would be lower than the L1/2, rather than significantly higher or strictly equal to it. The other options either overstate, misplace, or overspecify the relationship between L1/2 and physiological concentration ranges.

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If the L1/2 of a ligand-receptor has been determined to be approximately 40ng/mL. What would be the expected concentration range of ligand in the bloodstream if this were to be a hormone?

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