Final answer:
Enhanced affinity of the alpha subunit for adenylate cyclase leads to activation of adenylate cyclase, production of cAMP, and subsequent activation of PKA, which triggers various cellular responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the affinity of the alpha subunit for adenylate cyclase is enhanced, a sequence of intracellular events occurs.
The GTP-bound alpha subunit dissociates from the beta and gamma subunits and activates adenylate cyclase, which then catalyzes the conversion of ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP).
This increase in cAMP acts as a secondary messenger and activates protein kinase A (PKA). PKA then sets off a phosphorylation cascade that can lead to various cellular responses such as altering gene transcription, affecting metabolic processes, and inducing protein activation, all depending on the cell type and the signaling pathway involved.