The TCR and BCR are multi-subunit receptor complexes. Experiments examining the synthesis and transport of these receptors to the lymphocyte cell surface have shown that the signaling subunits of each receptor complex are required for transport of the ligand-binding receptor subunits to the cell surface. One possible reason for this stringent control on cell surface expression is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The requirement for signaling subunits for transport of the ligand-binding subunits to the cell surface suggests that the cell is regulating expression of the receptor complexes to ensure that only functional receptors reach the cell surface. This is because receptors that bind ligand but fail to induce signals would be useless to the cell, and could potentially interfere with the signaling abilities of functional receptors. Thus, choice C is the best answer.

The TCR and BCR Are Multi-Subunit Receptor Complexes