A general signal transduction pathway is shown in the following figure - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 2 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 2
A general signal transduction pathway is shown in the following figure. Some of the parts of the pathway are labelled.
M represents a compound which could initiate ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A general signal transduction pathway is shown in the following figure - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 2 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
Give an example of compound M.
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Answer
An example of compound M is a hormone such as insulin, which can initiate the signal transduction pathway by binding to its specific receptor on the plasma membrane.
Step 2
Explain what feature ensures this specificity.
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Answer
The specificity of signal transduction is ensured by the presence of specific receptors that are uniquely shaped to bind to particular signaling molecules. This lock-and-key mechanism allows only certain compounds to initiate a response in the cell.
Step 3
What type of molecules generally act as intermediate or relay molecules?
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Intermediate or relay molecules are typically proteins, such as kinases and phosphatases, which transmit and amplify the signal as it is processed within the cell.
Step 4
Name a response in the cell which may occur after signal transduction initiated by the compound M.
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A response in the cell that may occur after signal transduction initiated by insulin is the uptake of glucose into the cell, leading to a decrease in blood sugar levels.
