Question

Which of the following is an example of the prevention of cellular signaling?

A. Proteins on the surface of cells in taste buds called umami receptors bind to glutamates and nucleotides in food, which changes the membrane potential of these cells and tells the brain, This is savory.
B. The nicotine in cigarette smoke binds to and activates the acetylcholine receptor in plasma membranes of neurons in the brain.
C. Allergy medicines called antihistamines bind to and block histamine receptors to keep fluids in capillaries that would normally be released and cause stuffy noses and watery eyes.

Answer 1

The prevention of cellular signaling occurs when allergy medicines, known as antihistamines, block histamine receptors and inhibit the normal biological response that triggers allergy symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The example of the prevention of cellular signaling among the choices given is when allergy medicines called antihistamines bind to and block histamine receptors, preventing the release of fluids that cause symptoms like stuffy noses and watery eyes. This is because antihistamines act as antagonists to the histamine receptors and inhibit the usual biological response that would occur upon histamine binding. This prevents the cellular signaling pathways that would normally lead to allergy symptoms.

Cellular signaling is a crucial process in which cells respond to various stimuli through receptors on their surfaces. When a signaling molecule, or ligand, binds to a receptor, it triggers a cascade of events inside the cell, known as signal transduction pathways. These pathways lead to a broad range of cellular responses. Antihistamines disrupt this process by blocking the receptor sites for histamines, thereby stopping the signal transduction cascade that would otherwise cause allergic reactions.