How do cells terminate signals once a response is achieved?

How do cells terminate signals once a response is achieved?

• A. By increasing receptor sensitivity
• B. Through receptor internalization and degradation of signaling molecules
• C. By enhancing signal transduction
• D. Through protein synthesis inhibition

Answer: (B)

Cells have several mechanisms to terminate signals once a response has been achieved, ensuring that signaling pathways are tightly regulated. The correct answer involves receptor internalization and degradation of signaling molecules. When a signal is received, cells often respond by internally regulating the receptors involved in the signaling process. This can involve the internalization of the receptor, meaning that the receptors are pulled into the cell, effectively removing them from the cell surface where they can no longer interact with the signaling molecules (ligands). Once internalized, these receptors can be directed to lysosomes or proteasomes for degradation. This process not only stops the signal's propagation but also helps to reset the signaling pathways, preventing overstimulation and ensuring that cells remain responsive to future signals. This internalization and degradation of signaling molecules is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing prolonged or inappropriate responses. In contrast, other options such as increasing receptor sensitivity or enhancing signal transduction would work against the need to terminate signals, while protein synthesis inhibition does not directly address the termination of existing signals.

Cells have several mechanisms to terminate signals once a response has been achieved, ensuring that signaling pathways are tightly regulated. The correct answer involves receptor internalization and degradation of signaling molecules.

When a signal is received, cells often respond by internally regulating the receptors involved in the signaling process. This can involve the internalization of the receptor, meaning that the receptors are pulled into the cell, effectively removing them from the cell surface where they can no longer interact with the signaling molecules (ligands). Once internalized, these receptors can be directed to lysosomes or proteasomes for degradation. This process not only stops the signal's propagation but also helps to reset the signaling pathways, preventing overstimulation and ensuring that cells remain responsive to future signals.

This internalization and degradation of signaling molecules is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and preventing prolonged or inappropriate responses. In contrast, other options such as increasing receptor sensitivity or enhancing signal transduction would work against the need to terminate signals, while protein synthesis inhibition does not directly address the termination of existing signals.