Question

If a signla transduction pathway employs IP3 as a second messenger then it probably activates _____________ at some point.

a. Tyrosine kinase
b. ATP synthase
c. Inositol ATPase
d. Inositol isomerase
e. Phospholipase C

Answer 1

If IP3 is used as a second messenger in a signal transduction pathway, it activates Phospholipase C, leading to the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum and further signal propagation.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a signal transduction pathway employs IP3 as a second messenger, then it probably activates Phospholipase C at some point. The enzyme Phospholipase C cleaves PIP2 to form diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol triphosphate (IP3), both serving as second messengers in the process. This mechanism is crucial for the continuation of the signal cascade, where IP3 specifically binds to ligand-gated calcium channels in the endoplasmic reticulum to release Ca2+ ions, further propagating the cellular response.