Phototransduction uses a signal transduction cascade similar to mechanisms stimu
ID: 66735 • Letter: P
Question
Phototransduction uses a signal transduction cascade similar to mechanisms stimulated by hormones and neurotransmitters. However, the visual sensory apparatus is stimulated by photons, and converts light energy into a nerve impulse. Determine whether each of the the following events increases phototransduction or does not increase phototransduction (either by not initiating a signal or by terminating the signal). The abbreviation cGMP is used for guanosine 3' 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP), and PDE is used for phosphodiesterase.Explanation / Answer
Phototransduction increases
11-cis-retinal converted to all-trans-retinal
transducing dissociates into T-GTP and T
T subunit encounters PDE
PED converts cGMP to biologically inactive 5’-GMP
[cGMP] decreases
cGMP-gated ion channels close
High [Ca2+] inhibits guanylyl cyclase
Phototransduction does not increase
T subunit hydrolyzes GTP
PDE bound to inhibitory subunit
Guanylyl cyclase convert GTP to cGMP
[Ca2+] declines
GDP bound to transducin