Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 32: Problem 3

Nitric oxide may be merely the first of a new class of gaseous second messenger/neurotransmitter molecules. Based on your knowledge of the molecular action of nitric oxide, suggest another gaseous molecule that might act as a second messenger and propose a molecular function for it.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Based on Nitric Oxide's action as a second messenger/neurotransmitter, Carbon Monoxide could potentially be a second messenger. It might have a function in transmitting signals for the protection and survival of neurons due to its protective effects in the nervous system.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the action of Nitric Oxide

Firstly, realize the nitric oxide acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. Its function includes communication between cells in the nervous system implying it has the ability to pass the cell membrane freely.
02

Identify a suitable gaseous molecule

Now, with the understanding of how gaseous second messenger molecules function, it is important to identify another gaseous molecule with similar properties. One plausible example could be Carbon Monoxide (CO). Like Nitric Oxide, Carbon Monoxide is small, uncharged, and can diffuse freely across membranes.
03

Propose a function for the new molecule

Once a molecule has been chosen, the next step is to propose a plausible function for it. Carbon Monoxide is known to have protective effects in the nervous system and could therefore potentially send protective signals between cells in the nervous system. It could therefore act as a second messenger transmitting signals for the protection and survival of the neurons.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

A typical hormone binds to its receptor with an affinity \(\left(K_{\mathrm{D}}\right)\) of approximately \(1 \times 10^{-9} M\). Consider an in vitro (test-tube) system in which the total hormone concentration is approximately 1 n \(M\) and the total concentration of receptor sites is \(0.1 \mathrm{n} M\). What fraction of the receptor sites is bound with hormone? If the concentration of receptors is decreased to \(0.033 \mathrm{n} M\), what fraction of receptor is bound with the hormone?

Write simple reaction mechanisms for the formation of cAMP from ATP by adenylyl cyclase and for the breakdown of cAMP to \(5^{\prime}\) -AMP by phosphodiesterases.

Herbimycin A is an antibiotic that inhibits tyrosine kinase activity by binding to SH groups of cysteine in the sre gene tyrosine kinase and other similar tyrosine kinases. What effect might it have on normal rat kidney cells that have been transformed by Rous sarcoma virus? Can you think of other effects you might expect for this interesting antibiotic?

(Integrates with Chapter 24 .) All steroid hormones are synthesized in the human body from cholesterol. What is the consequence for steroid hormones and their action from taking a "statin" drug, such as Zocor, which blocks the synthesis of cholesterol in the body? Are steroid hormone functions compromised by statin action?

Compare and contrast the features and physiological advantages of each of the known classes of second messengers.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free