Block 1 - Signal Transduction Flashcards
1
Q
What are the three ‘super-families’ of cell-surface receptor?
A
- G protein-coupled (7TM) receptors (GPCR)
- Ligand-gated ion channels (receptor-operated)
- Receptors with intrinsic enzymatic activity
2
Q
Ligand
A
An agent that binds to a receptor
3
Q
How are receptors activated?
A
A ligand binds to it - directly or indirectly changes cellular activity
4
Q
A receptor is regulated by a single endogenous agonist. What other molecule can bind to it with high affinity?
A
Pharmacolgically synthesised molecules - they are made to bind to specific receptors and are similar to the natural ligand.
