Question

The binding of ligands to many GPCRs leads to ____________

(a) Decrease in concentration of second messengers

(b) Increase in concentration of second messengers

(c) Decrease in concentration of first messengers

(d) Increase in concentration of first messengers

The question was asked during an interview for a job.

Query is from Advanced Questions and Answers topic in division Regulation of Gene Expression and Miscellaneous of Biochemistry

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(b) Increase in concentration of second messengers

Explanation: G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in cellular signaling where the binding of ligands (first messengers, like hormones or neurotransmitters) to the GPCRs activates intracellular signaling cascades. This typically leads to the activation of second messengers (such as cAMP, IP3, or DAG), which amplify and relay the signal within the cell to elicit a response.

The binding of ligands to GPCRs generally results in an increase in the concentration of second messengers, not a decrease. These second messengers then activate various downstream signaling pathways that regulate cellular processes.