Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that binds to ion channel receptors. What statement correctly characterizes this type of receptor?
A) it is at the same time a receptor and an ion channel
B) it is an intracellular receptor
C) it activates second messenger production
D) its signal transduction pathway has many relay molecules

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ion channel receptors are also known as ligand-gated ion channels, as they are both a receptor for a specific ligand (in this case, acetylcholine) and an ion channel that opens when the ligand binds to it. Option B is incorrect because intracellular receptors are found inside the cell, while ion channel receptors are embedded in the cell membrane. Option C is incorrect because second messenger systems involve a series of intracellular signaling events, rather than the direct opening of ion channels. Option D is incorrect because ion channel receptors do not require a complex signal transduction pathway, as the opening of the ion channel and subsequent flow of ions across the cell membrane is a direct and rapid process.

Acetylcholine Is a Neurotransmitter That Binds to Ion Channel Receptors