Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

14. Cell Signaling

G Protein Coupled Receptors

Cell Biology

14. Cell Signaling

G Protein Coupled Receptors

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following cellular responses to GPCR stimulation would be expected to occur most rapidly?

Cell proliferation

Activation of gene transcription

Synthesis of new proteins

Opening of an ion channel

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): GPCRs are membrane proteins that transmit signals from extracellular stimuli to intracellular signaling pathways. These signals can lead to various cellular responses, depending on the downstream effectors activated.

Analyze the options provided: The options include cell proliferation, activation of gene transcription, synthesis of new proteins, and opening of an ion channel. Each of these processes occurs at different speeds based on the complexity of the signaling pathway and the cellular machinery involved.

Consider the time required for each process: Processes like cell proliferation, gene transcription, and protein synthesis involve multiple steps, such as activation of transcription factors, mRNA synthesis, and translation, which are relatively slow. In contrast, the opening of an ion channel is a direct and rapid response to GPCR activation.

Relate GPCR signaling to ion channel activation: Some GPCRs activate ion channels through second messengers like cyclic AMP (cAMP) or by directly interacting with G-proteins. This interaction can cause the ion channel to open almost immediately, allowing ions to flow across the membrane.

Conclude that the opening of an ion channel is the fastest response: Since ion channel opening involves fewer intermediate steps and occurs directly at the membrane, it is the most rapid cellular response to GPCR stimulation among the options provided.