Final answer:
Calmodulin and CaM-kinases are important components of calcium signaling in cells. Calmodulin is a protein that binds calcium ions and acts as a regulator of various cellular processes. CaM-kinases are enzymes that are activated by calmodulin and are involved in phosphorylating target proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calmodulin and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaM-kinases) are important components of calcium signaling in cells. Calmodulin is a protein that binds calcium ions and acts as a regulator of various cellular processes. CaM-kinases, on the other hand, are enzymes that are activated by the binding of calmodulin and are involved in phosphorylating target proteins.
An example of a CaM-kinase is Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). When activated by calmodulin and calcium ions, CaMKII phosphorylates specific target proteins, leading to changes in their activity.
Overall, calmodulin and CaM-kinases play crucial roles in calcium signaling and the regulation of cellular processes in response to calcium levels.