Answer:
they are small cytosolic signal molecules whose activity is regulated first by a ligand and second by a second messenger, making them the third step in a cascade
Step-by-step explanation:
Third messengers are cytosolic proteins which are associated with vesicles containing internalized receptors and which pass into the nucleus. They subsequently serves as transcription factors in the modulation of gene expression. Calcium ions is transported across the plasma membrane which allows them to be recycled as ‘third messengers’ extending their ability to convey information in a domain outside the cell. They are found to selectively activate a subset of targets, thereby expanding the repertoire and range of the signal. The intracellular cAMP signaling events are associated with extracellular accumulation of the second messenger, so that calcium ions can fluctuate outside cells, owing to activation of influx and efflux pathways for the cation Calcium ions signaling events. The steps involved include ;
- The release of calcium ions from internal storage compartments into the cytoplasm via intracellular release channels
- The extrusion of calcium ions into the extracellular space by plasma membrane calcium ions ATPases or other export mechanisms.
- The activation of calcium ions through spore-operated channels.