Why are some body cells responsive to a particular hormone, whereas others are not? responsive cells have complex signal transduction pathways, whereas cells that do not respond to a particular hormone lack these pathways. responsive cells express a receptor specific for the hormone. all of these choices are correct. responsive cells are located closer to the gland that releases the hormone. whether or not a cell responds to a hormone depends entirely on what type of cell it is (liver cell vs. fat cell vs. nerve cell), because hormones only activate one type of cell.