Biochemistry : Signal Transduction Pathways

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Biochemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : G Protein Pathway

Signal transduction cascades are a very important component of communication between cells. A variety of different receptor types function by way of signal transduction, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). After a signal transduction cascade has been initiated via a GPCR, which of the following is not a way in which the signal can be turned off?

Possible Answers:

Concentration of the receptor's ligand in the extracellular fluid decreases

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) inside the cell is broken down by phosphodiesterase enzymes

Receptor activity is terminated by the dual action of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase and beta-arrestin

G proteins have intrinsic GTPase activity that is time-sensitive

Inactivation of the receptor by phosphatase enzymes

Correct answer:

Inactivation of the receptor by phosphatase enzymes

Explanation:

In this question, all of the answer choices will be true except for one. Therefore, we'll need to consider each answer choice, one by one, in order to determine whether it is a true statement.

First, let's briefly recall the basics of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors are located on the cell membrane, and work by binding to ligands on the extracellular side. This binding induces a conformational change in the receptor, which then activates a G protein on the inner membrane. This activated G protein becomes active by shedding the GDP it has bound, and in exchange it binds to a new GTP molecule. This newly activated G protein then goes on to activate another enzyme found within the cell membrane, called adenylyl cyclase. This enzyme, when activated this way, catalyzes the transformation of ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP). This cAMP, in turn, acts as a second messenger and, in doing so, activates protein kinase A (PKA). PKA then goes on to phosphorylate a wide range of target proteins, which ultimately leads to a cellular response.

In addition, there are other types of GPCRs that lead to a different kind of signal transduction cascade. This alternative pathway involves the signaling molecules inositol triphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), and protein kinase C (PKC). But for the purposes of this question, we will focus on the one explained above.

G Protein cascades are one type of transduction pathway, and just like any other biological process, it is important that it is regulated. Therefore, when turn on, there needs to also be mechanisms in place to turn it off.

One of the ways in which the cascade is turned off is through the innate GTPase activity of the G proteins themselves. After a certain amount of time has passed, these G Proteins are able to hydrolyze their bound GTP into GDP, and in doing so, they become inactivated.

Another method used to turn off the pathway is through the combined action of beta-adrenergic receptor kinase and beta-arrestin. In this case, beta-adrenergic receptor kinase phosphorylates the receptor. This, in turn, attracts beta-arrestin to the receptor, which then physically blocks the receptor from interacting with G Proteins.

Additionally, the pathway can be turned once the extracellular ligand has fallen to a low concentration.

Yet another way that the pathway can be turned off is by the reduction in the second messenger cAMP. This is accomplished by the activity of a class of enzymes called the phosphodiesterases.

And lastly, phosphatases are enzymes which remove phosphate groups from their targets. As was mentioned above, the phosphorylation of GPCRs results in their inactivation. Therefore, if phosphate groups were to be removed from them, this would tend to have the opposite effect of activating them. Therefore, the action of phosphatases on GPCRs would not turn them off.

Example Question #12 : G Protein Pathway

Which of the following is false about G protein-linked receptors?

Possible Answers:

Their polypeptide chain crosses the cellular membrane seven times.

G proteins have three subunits, , and .

When the receptor is activated, the  subunit releases GDP and binds to GTP, causing  and  to come apart.

G proteins are found on the cellular membrane, on the side of the cytosol.

Among all the cell surface receptors, G protein-linked are the most common in eukaryotes.

Correct answer:

When the receptor is activated, the  subunit releases GDP and binds to GTP, causing  and  to come apart.

Explanation:

G protein-linked receptors are, indeed, the most commonly found in prokaryotes, and their polypeptide chain crosses the membrane seven times -- hence the alternate name, serpentine receptor. The G-protein is bound to the interior of the plasma membrane, sometimes, at least, in a complex with the receptor. G proteins do have three subunits, , and . However, it is  that releases GDP and binds GTP, dissociating the protein, with two resulting parts, an  and a  complex.

Example Question #11 : G Protein Pathway

Which subunit of heterotrimeric G-proteins translocates downstream to activate its effector enzyme?

Possible Answers:

Alpha subunit

Beta subunit

Gamma subunit

All of these answers

None of these answers

Correct answer:

Alpha subunit

Explanation:

When a G-protein is activated (in its ATP bound state), the alpha subunit dissociates from the beta and gamma subunits and binds to the effector enzyme for further activation and signal amplification downstream. For example, when adrenaline binds to the beta-andrenergic receptor, the alpha subnit dissociates from the beta+gamma subunits and activates adenylyl cyclase, which then produces cAMP, signaling for downstream protein targets to be phosphorylated. 

Example Question #12 : G Protein Pathway

Which of the following correctly describes activation of a G protein?

Possible Answers:

The heterotrimeric G protein remains intact as a single unit, but GTP is converted to GDP

The alpha subunit dissociates from the beta/gamma unit upon conversion of GDP to GTP

The beta unit dissociates from the alpha/gamma unit upon conversion of GTP to GDP

The beta unit dissociates from the alpha/gamma unit upon conversion of GDP to GTP

The alpha subunit dissociates from the beta/gamma unit upon conversion of GTP to GDP

Correct answer:

The alpha subunit dissociates from the beta/gamma unit upon conversion of GDP to GTP

Explanation:

In its unactivated state, a G protein is present as a heterotrimer consisting of an alpha, a beta, and a gamma subunit.  This heterotrimer is bound to GDP.  Upon activation by conversion of GDP to GTP, the G protein will dissociate into an alpha subunit separated from the beta and gamma unit (these two are still connected).

Example Question #13 : G Protein Pathway

Which of the following represents the state of the G protein when it is unactivated?

Possible Answers:

Beta and gamma units bound to GTP

Alpha, beta, and gamma units bound to GTP

Alpha, beta, and gamma units bound to GDP

Alpha unit bound to GDP

Beta and gamma units bound to GDP

Correct answer:

Alpha, beta, and gamma units bound to GDP

Explanation:

In its unactivated state, a G protein is present as a heterotrimer consisting of an alpha, a beta, and a gamma subunit. This heterotrimer is bound to GDP. Upon activation by conversion of GDP to GTP, the G protein will dissociate into an alpha subunit separated from the beta and gamma unit (these two are still connected).

Example Question #14 : G Protein Pathway

How is the activity of a G protein stopped?

Possible Answers:

The gamma subunit of a G protein has an intrinsic GTPase, which converts GTP back to GDP

The beta subunit of a G protein has an intrinsic GTPase, which converts GTP back to GDP

GTP dissociates completely from the G protein reverting it back to its inactive state

The alpha subunit of a G protein has an intrinsic GTPase, which converts GTP back to GDP

A GTPase enzyme comes in contact with the G protein, which converts GTP back to GDP

Correct answer:

The alpha subunit of a G protein has an intrinsic GTPase, which converts GTP back to GDP

Explanation:

The alpha subunit of a G protein has intrinsic GTPase activity that, although slow, will automatically convert GTP back to GDP when the action of the G protein has finished.

Example Question #1 : Tyrosine Kinase Pathway

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) transduce extracellular signals into intracellular signaling cascades. This is possible because RTKs have an extracellular ligand binding domain to sense ligands outside of the cell, a transmembrane domain that spans the cell membrane, and an intracellular domain that activates pathways within the cell.

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which the cytosolic domains of RTKs activate downstream signaling cascades?

Possible Answers:

Ligand binding to the extracellular RTK domain triggers an influx of calcium through calcium-channels, activating second messengers within the cell. 

Ligand binding to the extracellular RTK domain permits the RTK to interact with other receptors on other cells, triggering bidirectional signaling cascades. 

Ligand binding to the extracellular RTK domain triggers cleavage of the intracellular domains, which then act as soluble second messengers to activate protein kinases. 

Ligand binding to the extracellular RTK domain stimulates dimerization of RTKs, and the cytosolic domains cross-phosphorylate one another to activate the kinase domains. 

Ligand binding to the extracellular RTK domain facilitates phosphorylation of the RTK intracellular domain by protein kinase A, which is required for all downstream signaling cascades to be activated. 

Correct answer:

Ligand binding to the extracellular RTK domain stimulates dimerization of RTKs, and the cytosolic domains cross-phosphorylate one another to activate the kinase domains. 

Explanation:

Ligand binding stabilizes the dimerization of cytosolic domains of RTKs, and the intracellular domains can trans-phosphorylate one another (autophosphorylate) to activate the kinase domains. While there are other mechanisms of activation for RTKs, none of the other answers provide a correct mechanism for this activation. 

Example Question #11 : Signal Transduction Pathways

Protein-tyrosine kinase activation can result in the activation of two classical second messengers, inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). These molecules are produced as a result of a hydrolysis reaction that is stimulated by protein-tyrosine kinase activation.

What is the enzyme that catalyzes this hydrolysis reaction, and what molecule is cleaved into IP3 and DAG? 

Possible Answers:

Phospholipase C, 

Phospholipase C, 

Protein kinase C, 

Protein kinase A, diglyceride 

Protein kinase B, phosphatidylcholine 

Correct answer:

Phospholipase C, 

Explanation:

In this specific pathway, protein-tyrosine kinase phosphorylation activates phospholipase C (PLC), which then catalyzes the hydrolysis of , a membrane phospholipid, into IP3 and DAG. IP3 and DAG then go on to activate second messenger cascades. Protein kinases can be activated by tyrosine kinases, but PLC is the enzyme specifically required for the IP3/DAG cascade. 

Example Question #3 : Tyrosine Kinase Pathway

1. Conformational change brings protein tyrosine kinases close together

2. Receptor dimerization

3. Autophosphorylation activates receptor tyrosine kinases

4. Hormone/ligand binds to extracellular subunits

Which of the following correctly places the steps of the receptor tyrosine kinase in order?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The first step in all signaling pathways is ligand binding. This causes the extracellular domains to dimerize, inducing a conformational change in transmembrane segments. The cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinase domains are then then brought close so they can cross-phosphorylate leading to receptor tyrosine kinase activation. Insulin signaling is a primary example of receptor tyrosine kinase signal transduction, and its receptor is already dimerized.

Example Question #1 : Tyrosine Kinase Pathway

Which of the following correctly matches the SH2 (Src Homology 2) and SH3 (Src Homology 3) domains with their residues?

Possible Answers:

SH2 domains bind phosphotyrosine, SH3 domains bind phosphoserine

SH2 domains bind phosphotyrosine, SH3 domains bind proline-rich sequences

SH2 domains bind phosphoserine, SH3 domains bind phosphothreonine

SH2 domains bind phosphothreonine, SH3 domains bind phosphotyrosine

Correct answer:

SH2 domains bind phosphotyrosine, SH3 domains bind proline-rich sequences

Explanation:

SH2 and SH3 domains are Src homology domains that interact with insulin receptor tyrosine kinase substrates. They are especially important in the Ras-activated MAP kinase cascade. SH2 domains, because of their deep positive arginine pockets, tightly bind phosphotyrosine residues but not phosphoserine and phosphothreonine residues.

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