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A small, non-protein molecule spreads a signal through the cytoplasm after a receptor has already been activated by its ligand. What is this type of molecule called?
AA first messenger
BA transcription factor
CA second messenger
DA pattern receptor
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. A second messenger
1. Second messengers propagate a signal after it has been initiated by the ligand binding its receptor.
2. These molecules spread the signal through the cytoplasm by altering the behavior of cellular proteins.
3. The original ligand that first bound the receptor is the first messenger, not the second messenger.
4. Transcription factors and pattern recognition receptors are different classes of molecules entirely.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 9 "Cell Communication", section Second Messengers_
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