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When calcium acts as a second messenger, its effect depends on the cell type. What happens in the beta-cells of the pancreas when cytoplasmic calcium rises?
AMuscle contraction occurs
BcAMP degrades into AMP
CThe nucleus starts apoptosis
DInsulin is released
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Insulin is released
1. The free concentration of calcium ions in a cell is normally kept very low by pumps that use ATP to remove it.
2. When ligand-gated channels open, cytoplasmic calcium rises and produces a response that depends on cell type.
3. In the beta-cells of the pancreas, this rise in calcium leads to the release of insulin.
4. Muscle contraction is instead the response described for muscle cells, not pancreatic beta-cells, in the same passage.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 9 "Cell Communication", section Second Messengers_
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