Biology/cell-signalling
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Question
What happens if multiple signals activate one cell membrane receptor? What is the response of the cell membrane receptor in response to this?
Unfortunately, I need a bit more information to answer your question directly. As you likely know, there is a plethora of cell surface receptors; the response of the cell very much depends upon what receptors are being activated. If an inhibitory and a stimulatory receptor are triggered together, for instance, the cell may show no response at all. If multiple excitatory signals activate multiple receptors, the cell likely shows an increased response (but not necessarily--the response may be stepwise, or may reach a saturation point after a certain level of signaling); the same effect might result from multiple signals hitting one receptor--an increase in the response that the receptor controls. It might not, however, if the response is time-sensitive; that is, if the cell response occurs and then returns to baseline before the next signal arrives, the presence of multiple signals may not affect the cell response. Thus, time, concentration, and type of cell receptor/signal will all ultimately affect the response of the cell to multiple signals.
To help me answer this further, let me know if you are asking about a specific receptor type.
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Answers by Expert:
John Locke
Expertise
I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
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I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
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BS Bioengineering, Penn State University
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