Hormones are often referred to as hydrophobic, and as amines, proteins or steroids. Usingcortisol as an example, explain how steroids work to produce a change in cell function.Include a description of cortisol’s effects and targets.

Steroids, such as cortisol, are a type of hormone that can pass through cell membranes because they are hydrophobic, or water-repelling. This allows them to directly interact with the cell's machinery. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how this works:

1. Entry into the cell: Since steroids are hydrophobic, they can easily pass through the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. Cortisol, for example, can diffuse directly into the cell.

2. Binding to receptor: Once inside the cell, cortisol binds to a specific receptor called the glucocorticoid receptor. This receptor is located in the cytoplasm of the cell.

3. Activation of receptor: The binding of cortisol to the glucocorticoid receptor activates the receptor. This activated receptor-cortisol complex then moves into the cell's nucleus.

4. Interaction with DNA: Inside the nucleus, the activated receptor-cortisol complex can bind to specific regions of the cell's DNA. This binding can either increase or decrease the transcription of specific genes, depending on the target cells and tissues.

5. Change in cell function: The change in gene transcription leads to changes in the production of proteins, which ultimately leads to changes in cell function.

Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone," has many effects and targets in the body. It plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress by increasing glucose levels in the blood, suppressing the immune system, and aiding in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Its primary targets include the liver (for glucose production), immune cells (for immune response regulation), and various tissues throughout the body (for metabolism regulation).