Final answer:
In the IP3-kinase/Akt pathway, a survival signal is triggered, leading to the activation of multiple downstream signaling pathways that promote cell survival and inhibit apoptosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the IP3-kinase/Akt pathway, a survival signal is triggered. This pathway is part of the cellular signaling process that regulates cell survival and prevents apoptosis (programmed cell death).
When a survival signal is received, the IP3-kinase/Akt pathway is activated. The pathway involves a series of steps:
- First, a signaling molecule binds to a receptor on the cell surface.
- This activates an enzyme called IP3-kinase, which produces inositol trisphosphate (IP3).
- IP3 then binds to and opens calcium channels on the endoplasmic reticulum, allowing calcium ions to enter the cytoplasm.
- Calcium ions activate another enzyme called Akt (protein kinase B) by phosphorylating it.
- Akt then phosphorylates various target proteins involved in cell survival, leading to the activation of multiple downstream signaling pathways that promote cell survival and inhibit apoptosis.