A scientist is observing the action of a cell that produces a chemical signal (called a hormone). The hormone is a large protein molecule. The scientist notices the cell also has many mitochondria. When the cell releases the hormone, the mitochondria become active, producing a lot of energy. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these observations?
Group of answer choices
The cell is moving the hormone out using diffusion, which requires energy in the form of ATP.
The cell is moving the hormone out using osmosis, which requires energy in the form of ATP.
The cell is moving the hormone out using active transport due to the size of the protein, which requires energy in the form of ATP.
The cell is moving the hormone out using passive transport due to the size of the protein, which requires energy in the form of ATP.
