Which of the following serves as a second messengerfor slowing contrac...
Certain hormones such as peptide hormones or catecholamines have a large molecular size, or due to extreme polarity, they are unable to cross the plasma membrane.
These hormones bind to the protein receptors present on the plasma membrane of the target cell.
Secondary messengers are present within the target cell and produce the effect of the hormone inside the cell.
As soon as the hormone binds to the receptors on the membrane, the secondary messengers are activated and their concentration in the cell increases.
cAMP acts as a secondary messenger when epinephrine binds to protein receptors on the plasma membrane.
Ca2+ ions also act as secondary messengers and are usually secreted into the cytoplasm by the endoplasmic reticulum. The presence of calcium in the cytoplasm triggers the effect of the hormone in the cell.
cGMP also acts as a secondary messenger and mediates many cell and tissue responses. Especially in the heart, it slows muscle contraction in response to acetylcholine.
Which of the following serves as a second messengerfor slowing contrac...
Explanation:
Second Messenger for Slowing Contraction of Heart Muscles:
- The second messenger for slowing contraction of the heart muscles in response to acetylcholine is cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate).
Role of cAMP:
- When acetylcholine binds to its receptor on the heart muscle cells, it leads to the activation of a G protein-coupled receptor.
- This receptor then activates an enzyme called adenylate cyclase, which converts ATP into cAMP.
- cAMP then acts as a second messenger, activating protein kinase A (PKA).
- PKA phosphorylates various proteins involved in the regulation of heart muscle contraction, leading to the slowing down of the contraction process.
Comparison with Other Options:
- cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) is another second messenger, but it is primarily involved in vasodilation and smooth muscle relaxation.
- Diacylglycerol (DG) and Inositol triphosphate are involved in the phospholipase C signaling pathway and are not directly related to the slowing of heart muscle contraction in response to acetylcholine.
Therefore, the correct second messenger for slowing contraction of the heart muscles in response to acetylcholine is cAMP.