Final answer:
GPCR activation occurs through hormone or neurotransmitter binding, causing shape changes in the receptor and subsequent activation of the G-protein. The G-protein subunits split, activate other proteins, and then reassociate to repeat the cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation occurs in a cyclic series of events. Here are the steps:
- The hormone or neurotransmitter binds to a specific GPCR.
- The receptor changes shape upon binding and recognizes the G-protein trimer on the cytoplasmic surface of the plasma membrane.
- The G-protein trimer binds to the receptor, displacing GDP on the a subunit and replacing it with GTP.
- The G-protein subunits split into the a subunit and the By subunit.
- One or both of these subunits can activate other proteins.
- The GTP on the active a subunit is hydrolyzed to GDP, and the By subunit is deactivated.
- The subunits reassociate to form the inactive G-protein, and the cycle begins again.