Nicotinic receptors always produce depolarizations whilemuscarinic receptors may

Question

Nicotinic receptors always produce depolarizations whilemuscarinic receptors may cause depolarizations orhyperpolarizations. Briefly explain why this is possible. Why wouldthis flexibility in the responses of the body be useful? (3 marks) Will rate well. Nicotinic receptors always produce depolarizations whilemuscarinic receptors may cause depolarizations orhyperpolarizations. Briefly explain why this is possible. Why wouldthis flexibility in the responses of the body be useful? (3 marks) Will rate well. Will rate well.

Explanation / Answer

Nicotinic receptors are ionotropic receptors. When Acetylcholine(Ach) binds the channel opens and a depolarizing currentflows. Muscarinic receptors are metabotropic and when Achbinds to the receptor a G-protein signal transduction pathway isinitiated which can result in an array of response. Thesignal generated by the binding of Ach can interact with thebiochemistry of the cell and can result in the opening or closingof different kinds of channels which are biochemically linked tothe Muscarinic receptor. Thus one can get depolarization orhyperpolarizations of different magnitudes and durations. Theflexibility of responses is useful because it allows Ach to do alot of different things, with the muscarinic receptors it allowsthe cell itself to "compute" and integrate different signals aswell as amplify these signals. And with the nicotinicreceptors simpler more direct signals can be propagated.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse N
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.