In: Biology
Compare and contrast signalling through a ligand-gated ion channel and a G proteincoupled receptor, using specific examples.
In GPCR, ligand binds the receptor on one side, then proteins released on the other side, further form a cascade of reactions, which carry out the desired reaction.
While in case of ligand gated ion channels, binding of ligand, opens a passage or the gate, through which ions can flow, and carry out desired reaction.
GPCR or G protein coupled receptor is a serpentine trans membrane protein . When ligand binds to this receptor on the exoplasmic side of the plasma membrane, alpha subunit of the G protein gets activated, which then activates phospholipase C gamma. It cleaves Phosphotidylinositols inositol 4,5 bis phosphate (PIP2), present in the membrane into inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate (IP3) and Di acylglycerol (DAG).
DAG then activates protein kinase C (PK C)
IP3 in presence of PK- C, acts on binds to calcium ion channels present on the sarcoplasmic reticulum, due to which calcium ion flows in from the cytosol into ER.
Eg. Of ligand gated is acetylcholine receptor present in neurons. Binding of acetylcholine on post synaptic cell at a synapse, opens the gate for passage of ions into the post synaptic nerve cell.