Final answer:
GPCR and LGICs are two types of cell-surface receptors that differ in their amino acid structure and ligand binding mechanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
GPCR (G-protein coupled receptors) and LGICs (ligand-gated ion channels) are two different types of cell-surface receptors that play important roles in cell signaling. There are two major differences between GPCR and LGICs:
- Amino acid structure: GPCRs have seven transmembrane domains, while LGICs do not have transmembrane domains but instead have multiple subunits arranged around a central ion channel.
- Ligand binding and signal transduction: GPCRs bind to ligands and activate associated G-proteins, which then transmit the signal to downstream effector proteins. On the other hand, LGICs directly bind to ligands, causing conformational changes that open or close ion channels and allow the flow of specific ions.