Question

Respond to the below prompts to illustrate the differences between a fast and slow response to a signal.

For each kind of response (fast or slow), give one example signal, the *kind* of receptor it could bind to, and how that kind receptor works. (5 points each)

Give an example of how each might function to alter neuronal or beta cell activity. (5 points each)

Short and simple answers accepted.

Answer 1

Sol:

Differences between Fast responses and Slow responses

Fast responses

Slow responses

1.Fast responses involve changes in the activity of proteins. 2.Eg: Neural transmission 3.These actions are rapid .and transient 4.The effects are short term  can be rapidly reversed. 5.Eg of receptor: Acetyl Choline., paracrine signalling molecule. 6.It occurs between local cells where signals elicit quick response which lasts only for short time. 7. How they alter neuronal or beta cell activity : Here Receptors act as ligand gated ion channels result in rapid but short lived response Eg: Calcium ion channels Mechanism : Binding of ligand opens the Ion channels and allow the signal into the interior cell to bring rapid response

1.Slow responses need synthesis of new proteins. 2.Eg: Hormone synthesis. 3.These actions are slow and perpetual. 4.They generate long term changes in cell functioning. 5.Eg of receptor: Endocrine signalling . 6.It occurs between distantly located cells which is mediated by hormones. These Hormones are released by specific endocine glands into blood stream to the target cell producing slower and long term response. 7. How they alter neuronal or beta cell activity :. Here Receptors coupled to Secondary messengers and produce slower but prolonged response. Eg: G protein Mechanism: Binding of ligand to the surface receptor brings confirmational changes in it and activates the secondary messenger which triggers a cascade of molecular events to bring slow and prolonged response.