Please answer both questions 1) There can be several hundred types of ion channe
ID: 3504924 • Letter: P
Question
Please answer both questions
1) There can be several hundred types of ion channels within a single cell. Mutations within these channels is known to cause many different diseases, collectively known as channelopathies. With this in mind, discuss whether the many channels provide redundancy within the cell or if they cater to specific, independent functions.
2)Cell communication requires that a chemical messenger and its appropriate receptor bind to initiate a signaling cascade. Describe the biogenesis of both the messenger and the receptor.
Explanation / Answer
1. Channelopathies are disorders which arise due to defects in ion channels that could either be genetic or acquired. These diseases are known to affect all the major systems- the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the renal system, the gastrointestinal system and the immune system. They are mostly caused by mutations in genes which code for the ion channels. These channels basically regulate the Dynamics of the cell. They are responsible for the transmembrane potential and thus the functioning of the cell. They lead to redundancy of cellular functions because the ion channels are what made the cell dynamic. For example, in myotonia congenita which occurs due to the mutations in CLCN1 Gene which codes for the skeletal muscle chloride channel, the muscles remain in a state of stiffness because of the failure of chloride channels. This is a state of redundancy when compared to the normal action and relaxation that would normally occur.
2. Receptors and Messengers are protein molecules and their production is regulated by the molecules who they synthesize. This biogenesis is regulated at the cellular level. Several genes are involved in this process. For example- cAMP is synthesized from ATP in the inner wide of plasma membrane. The Receptors are similarly made. Their production is regulated depending upon the Messengers. Their is an upregulation of receptors when the messenger concentration is low and vice versa.