G-proteins
Membrane-bound molecular switches
G-proteins are cellular molecules that act as molecular switches, turning signals on and off inside cells.
When a hormone or neurotransmitter binds to a receptor on a cell's surface, G-proteins relay that message inward, triggering cascades of cellular responses.
The "G" refers to guanine nucleotides (GTP and GDP) that control their active and inactive states.
G-proteins mediate responses to light, smell, and countless hormones, making them fundamental to how cells communicate.
Output mechanism in systems
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- GDPNational output abbreviation
- GTPGuanine nucleotide triphosphate
- activationSetting into operation
Receptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
- modulatorDevice that varies signals
desensitization · downregulation · efficacy · potency · selectivity
Bacterial disease causing fatal dehydration
- pertussisBacterial respiratory infection
- oncogeneTumor-inducing genetic element
- mutationPermanent DNA alteration
- tumorAbnormal tissue mass
dysfunction · pathophysiology · hyperactivation · gain-of-function
Mental separation from surroundings
- reassociationRenewed mental or social connection
- crystal structureOrdered atomic arrangement in solids
effector
Output mechanism in systems
agonist
Receptor-binding trigger molecule
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
- ligandMolecule that binds centrally
modulator · desensitization · downregulation · efficacy · potency · selectivity
cholera
Bacterial disease causing fatal dehydration
- pertussisBacterial respiratory infection
- oncogeneTumor-inducing genetic element
- mutationPermanent DNA alteration
tumor · dysfunction · pathophysiology · hyperactivation · gain-of-function
dissociation
Mental separation from surroundings
- reassociationRenewed mental or social connection
- crystal structureOrdered atomic arrangement in solids
Golf
NATO letter for G
- inhibitoryTending to suppress activity