The three ways that a cell might respond to an external chemical signal include
$\bullet$Changes in gene expression
$\bullet$Ion channel opening/closing
$\bullet$Enzyme activation/deactivation
Which general features of these three response mechanisms is most varied?
A) Specificity of response
B) Sensitivity of response
C) Speed of response
D) Ability to be regulated
E) Ability to change via genetic mutation

Question

The three ways that a cell might respond to an external chemical signal include
 $\bullet$Changes in gene expression
$\bullet$Ion channel opening/closing
$\bullet$Enzyme activation/deactivation
Which general features of these three response mechanisms is most varied?
A) Specificity of response
B) Sensitivity of response
C) Speed of response
D) Ability to be regulated
E) Ability to change via genetic mutation

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The speed of response varies greatly between the three mechanisms. Changes in gene expression can take hours to days, while ion channel opening/closing and enzyme activation/deactivation can happen within milliseconds to seconds. Specificity of response, sensitivity of response, ability to be regulated, and ability to change via genetic mutation are all generally consistent across the three mechanisms.

The Three Ways That a Cell Might Respond to an External