Muscle nAChR receptors have two α subunits and thus two ACh binding sites. Both binding sites must be occupied in order for the receptor channel to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both binding sites on the nAChR receptor must be occupied by ACh in order for the receptor channel to open and allow ion flux. If only one binding site is occupied, the channel will not open. Desensitization and closure of the channel can occur after opening, but the initial requirement for opening is occupancy of both ACh binding sites. Selectivity of the receptor is not determined by the occupancy of the ACh binding sites, but rather by the specific subunit composition of the receptor.

Muscle NAChR Receptors Have Two α Subunits and Thus Two