Question 1

What are the three sequential stages of cell signaling described in AP Biology?

Accepted Answer

Reception, transduction, and response. In reception, a signaling molecule binds a receptor; in transduction, the signal is converted and relayed; in response, a specific cellular activity is triggered.

Question 2

During which stage of cell signaling does a phosphorylation cascade typically occur?

Accepted Answer

Transduction. Phosphorylation cascades relay and amplify the signal by sequentially activating proteins through the addition of phosphate groups.

Question 3

How does signal amplification occur during the transduction stage?

Accepted Answer

Each activated relay molecule can activate many downstream molecules, so a small number of signaling molecules can trigger a large cellular response.

Question 4

Where are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) located in the cell, and what is their general structure?

Accepted Answer

GPCRs are transmembrane receptors located in the plasma membrane. They consist of a single polypeptide that passes through the membrane seven times.

Question 5

What happens to a G protein when a ligand binds to a GPCR?

Accepted Answer

The activated GPCR causes the G protein to exchange GDP for GTP, activating the G protein, which then dissociates and activates an effector enzyme such as adenylyl cyclase.

Cell Communication – AP Biology Exam Prep

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