The Biology Project > Cell Biology > Cell Signaling > Problem Set
Cell Signaling Problem Set
Problem 7: Second Messengers
Sending a signal through the cell membrane can lead to the production of second messengers inside the cell. Which of the following can serve as second messengers?
A. cAMP B. Ca2+ C. IP3 D. NO (nitric oxide) E. all of the above
Yes, a large number of small molecules can act as "second messengers."
Second messengers are generated when a signal (ligand) binds to a membrane receptor. Cells are programmed for responses, and the same signal and second messenger can have very different effects depending on the programs operating in the cell.
The Biology Project > Cell Biology > Cell Signaling > Problem Set
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
University of Arizona
May 2002
Revised: August 2004
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