Which of the following is a second messenger in cells?

Study for the Biochemistry Module 6 Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up to ace your test!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a second messenger in cells?

Explanation:
Second messengers are small, diffusible molecules produced inside the cell after an extracellular signal activates a receptor, and they propagate and amplify the signal to generate a response. cAMP is a classic example because it is made from ATP by the enzyme adenylyl cyclase when a receptor is stimulated, and it then travels through the cytosol to activate targets like protein kinase A, triggering downstream effects. FAD serves as a redox cofactor, not a signaling molecule produced in response to receptor activation. AMP and dATP are nucleotides used in energy metabolism and DNA synthesis, not signaling messengers in this rapid, receptor-driven cascade.

Second messengers are small, diffusible molecules produced inside the cell after an extracellular signal activates a receptor, and they propagate and amplify the signal to generate a response. cAMP is a classic example because it is made from ATP by the enzyme adenylyl cyclase when a receptor is stimulated, and it then travels through the cytosol to activate targets like protein kinase A, triggering downstream effects. FAD serves as a redox cofactor, not a signaling molecule produced in response to receptor activation. AMP and dATP are nucleotides used in energy metabolism and DNA synthesis, not signaling messengers in this rapid, receptor-driven cascade.

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