What is the cellular mechanism of receptor down-regulation in response to an excess of extracellular messenger?
A) cell apoptosis
B) endocytosis of receptors
C) initiation of translation
D) decreased ATP synthesis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When there is an excess of extracellular messenger, the cell may down-regulate its receptors to prevent overstimulation. One of the mechanisms by which this occurs is through endocytosis of the receptors, which brings them inside the cell and either recycles or degrades them, ultimately reducing their availability on the cell surface. Option A (cell apoptosis) is a drastic measure and not typically used for down-regulation of receptors. Option C (initiation of translation) and option D (decreased ATP synthesis) are not directly related to receptor down-regulation in this context.

What Is the Cellular Mechanism of Receptor Down-Regulation in Response