Describe how second messenger system amplification occurs

What will be an ideal response?


Second messenger cascades can produce an amplified signal because many of the steps within the cascade can produce an amplified signal, which in turn produces a larger response in the subsequent step. In this way the original signal can be amplified significantly by the end of the process. For example, the binding of one first messenger to a surface receptor can activate multiple adenylyl cyclases, each of which can produce multiple cAMP molecules. The original signal of one first messenger has been amplified significantly in two steps. Amplification can occur in other steps so that the original signal can be amplified millions of times.

Anatomy & Physiology

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Anatomy & Physiology

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Anatomy & Physiology

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Anatomy & Physiology