5. cAMP (cyclic AMP) is a secondary messenger (diffusible in the cytoplasm of th

Question

5. cAMP (cyclic AMP) is a secondary messenger (diffusible in the cytoplasm of the cell) involved in cell signaling processes. Describe in as much detail as possible how this secondary messenger is generated in response to cell signals and how it functions to modulate downstream events in cell signaling pathways-including changes in gene expression. Start your discussion by describing the class of cell surface receptor associated with increases in this second messenger and note in your response at least one step in signal transduction process where the signal initiated at the cell surface is amplified. 6. You have learned that the chemical nature of the side chains of amino acids (polar, nonpolar, charged) are important in determining overall protein structure. Given this, why do you think that addition of phosphate groups to proteins (as occurs during signal transduction) might affect protein structure/activity?

Explanation / Answer

6). The chemical nature of the side chains of amino acids (polar, nonpolar, charged) are important in determining overall protein structure. Phosphate group is negatively charged, if we add phosphate group to the protein, it adds one negative charge to the protein which would alter its conformation. Addition of phosphate group is known as phosphorylation. Phosphorylation may activate or deactivate a protein.

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