Final answer:
In its inactive state, protein kinase A (PKA) exists as an inactive tetrameric holoenzyme consisting of two regulatory (R) subunits and two catalytic (C) subunits. The R subunits bind to the C subunits, inhibiting their catalytic activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In its inactive state, protein kinase A (PKA) exists as an inactive tetrameric holoenzyme. The inactive PKA holoenzyme consists of two regulatory (R) subunits and two catalytic (C) subunits. Each R subunit binds to a C subunit, effectively inhibiting the catalytic activity of the C subunit.