Refer to the table below, which lists three biological responses that result from cAMP-mediated signal transduction pathways.The "yes" and "no" references in the table indicate which cells are capable of displaying the three biological responses. Which statement explains how the same second-messenger molecule, cAMP, can be involved in all of these different pathways?
A) The cells carrying out these signal transduction pathways are located in different regions of the body.
B) The cells carrying out these signal transduction pathways do so at different points in time and never simultaneously.
C) The cells contain different proteins that carry out different functions but respond to the same small molecule.
D) Each cell has lost the ability to carry out signal transduction pathways other than the few that are most important to its survival.
E) Each cell is programmed in its DNA to respond only to signals that are most important to its survival.

Question

Refer to the table below, which lists three biological responses that result from cAMP-mediated signal transduction pathways.The "yes" and "no" references in the table indicate which cells are capable of displaying the three biological responses.  Which statement explains how the same second-messenger molecule, cAMP, can be involved in all of these different pathways?
A) The cells carrying out these signal transduction pathways are located in different regions of the body. 
B) The cells carrying out these signal transduction pathways do so at different points in time and never simultaneously. 
C) The cells contain different proteins that carry out different functions but respond to the same small molecule. 
D) Each cell has lost the ability to carry out signal transduction pathways other than the few that are most important to its survival. 
E) Each cell is programmed in its DNA to respond only to signals that are most important to its survival.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that cAMP can be involved in all of these different pathways suggests that the cells contain different proteins that carry out different functions but respond to the same small molecule. This means that cAMP is acting as a second messenger molecule that binds to various target proteins or enzymes, activating a specific physiological response. Each cell's specific set of proteins and enzymes determines which response will occur.

Refer to the Table Below, Which Lists Three Biological Responses