Question

The same second messengers are used in many different cells, but the response to those second messengers differs in each cell. How is this possible? Compare explanations below and select the one that supports this claim of varying responses.

a) Different ligands bind to the same receptor
b) Cells express different receptor types
c) Second messengers degrade rapidly
d) Cells lack second messenger receptors

Answer 1

Second messengers like cAMP can cause different responses in different cells due to the distinct types of receptors, variant target proteins, and unique genetic makeup of each cell type, leading to cellular specificity in signaling.

Step-by-step explanation:

The response to second messengers such as cyclic AMP (cAMP) varies in each cell because cells express different types of receptors and target proteins. This variation is due to the unique set of proteins found in each cell type, as well as the complex process of signal integration, where multiple signals can converge to activate the same cellular response. cAMP-dependent kinase (A-kinase) is an example of a target protein regulated by cAMP that is found in a variety of cells, but the proteins it interacts with can differ from one cell to another. Moreover, cells may use alternative splicing to create variants of a receptor, leading to diverse responses to the same ligand. Additionally, the specific genetic makeup of a cell determines which receptors are produced, further influencing the cellular response to second messengers.