Final answer:
Inositol phospholipid signaling involves the conversion of phosphatidylinositol (PI) to inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) through phospholipase C. IP3 releases calcium ions (Ca2+) while DAG activates protein kinase C (PKC).
Step-by-step explanation:
Inositol phospholipid signaling involves the conversion of phosphatidylinositol (PI) to inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG) through the action of the enzyme phospholipase C. Phospholipase C cleaves phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) into IP3 and DAG. IP3 diffuses into the cytoplasm and binds to calcium channels in the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to the release of calcium ions (Ca2+). DAG remains in the plasma membrane and activates protein kinase C (PKC), which phosphorylates target proteins.