Question

Individuals possessing a mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme, Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) overproduce the signaling molecule, Nitric Oxide (NO) resulting in low blood pressure. On a cellular level, which one of the following would be helpful in reducing the harmful effects of this NOS gene mutation?

A) Increasing the amount of cyclic guanosine monophospate
(cGMP) in smooth muscle cells.
B) Increasing the activity of the enzyme phosphodiesterase in
smooth muscle cells.
C) Increasing the Acetylcholine signal sent to endothelial cells.
D) Inhibiting activation of the Acetylcholine receptors in
endothelial cells.
E) Decreasing the activity of the enzyme phosphodiesterase in
endothelial cells.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option B) "Increasing the activity of the enzyme phosphodiesterase in smooth muscle cells".

Step-by-step explanation:

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) is a type of enzyme that catalyzes the break of a phosphodiester bond. PDE have an important role in the regulation of nitric oxide signaling, particularly in smooth muscle cells. PDE inhibits by acting as an enzymatic degradation agent in the nitric oxide signaling process and in the regulation of cGMP, a secondary messenger that acts as a vasodilator.