Increasing cytosolic [Ca²⁺] is more useful as a signaling mechanism than Increasing [Na⁺] or [K ⁺] or [Cl^-] because A) Far fewer Ca²⁺ ions need to flow because intracellular [Ca²⁺] is so low B) Ca²⁺ can bind to specific proteins C) Unlike the other ions, Ca²⁺ can activate phosphorylation of proteins D) The Increase in [Ca²⁺] can be short-lived E) All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increasing cytosolic calcium concentration is more useful as a signaling mechanism for several reasons: it requires fewer ions due to low intracellular calcium levels, calcium can bind to specific proteins, it can activate protein phosphorylation, and the increase in calcium levels can be transient, allowing for rapid signaling changes.

Increasing Cytosolic [Ca2+] Is More Useful as a Signaling Mechanism

Increasing Cytosolic [Ca²⁺] Is More Useful as a Signaling Mechanism