GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology : Help with Second Messengers

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 201 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Cellular Processes

Which of the following is a common second messenger used in signal transduction pathways?

Possible Answers:

Receptor tyrosine kinases

Epinephrine

G subunits of G proteins

cAMP

Correct answer:

cAMP

Explanation:

Second messengers are the molecules in a signal transduction pathway that will activate an intracellular response. Epinephrine is a hormone that will bind a receptor on the exoplasmic face of the cell, making is a first messenger. G subunits interact with adaptor proteins that will then stimulate the production of second messengers. Receptor tyrosine kinases are examples of receptor proteins that will bind first messengers. cAMP, however, is a widely used second messenger that is involved in the activation of many pathways and signal amplification in the cytosol.

Example Question #1 : Cellular Processes

Which of the following signaling molecules does not elicit a second messenger response inside cells?

Possible Answers:

Steroid hormones

Peptide hormones

Glucagon

Large peptides

Correct answer:

Steroid hormones

Explanation:

A second messenger response is created in cells that use signal transduction, meaning that the signaling molecules attach to a receptor on the outside of the cell. Steroid hormones are largely nonpolar, and can enter the cell in order to affect cellular processes at the level of transcription. As a result, they do not need to rely on second messenger pathways in order to elicit a response.

All GRE Subject Test: Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 201 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors