What is the Difference Between G Protein Linked Receptors and Enzyme Linked Receptors?

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G protein-linked receptors and enzyme-linked receptors are two types of transmembrane proteins that play crucial roles in cell signaling. The main differences between them are:

  1. Activation mechanism: G protein-linked receptors activate G proteins upon binding with an extracellular ligand, while enzyme-linked receptors bind with extracellular ligands and activate enzymes that trigger a chain reaction within the cell.
  2. Structure: G protein-linked receptors have seven transmembrane segments, whereas enzyme-linked receptors usually have only one transmembrane segment.
  3. Intracellular domain: G protein-linked receptors have a cytosolic domain that associates with a trimeric G protein, while the intracellular domain of enzyme-linked receptors either has intrinsic enzyme activity or associates directly with an enzyme.
  4. Signal transduction: In G protein-linked receptors, the activated G-protein interacts with either an ion channel or an enzyme in the membrane, leading to a cellular response. In contrast, enzyme-linked receptors directly activate enzymes, which then initiate a signaling cascade within the cell.

In summary, G protein-linked receptors activate G proteins upon ligand binding, while enzyme-linked receptors directly activate enzymes. Both types of receptors play essential roles in cell signaling and regulating various cellular functions.

Comparative Table: G Protein Linked Receptors vs Enzyme Linked Receptors

Here is a table comparing G protein-linked receptors and enzyme-linked receptors:

Feature G Protein-Linked Receptors Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Definition Cell surface receptors that activate G proteins upon binding with an extracellular ligand. Receptors with ligand-binding domain on the outer surface and a cytosolic domain that either has intrinsic enzyme activity or associates directly with an enzyme.
Transmembrane Segments Seven transmembrane segments. Usually one transmembrane segment.
Activation Activate trimeric G proteins. Activate directly or indirectly enzymes.
Signal Transduction Indirectly activate or inactivate plasma-membrane-bound enzymes or ion channels via G proteins. Directly trigger a chain reaction of enzymatic reactions, leading to a cellular response.
Examples GPCRs, which mediate responses to a wide variety of signal molecules. Receptor tyrosine kinases, receptor serine-threonine kinases, receptor guanylyl cyclases, and histidine-kinase-associated receptors.

G protein-linked receptors work with G proteins that associate with GTP, and when a ligand binds with the receptor, it undergoes a conformational change, enabling it to interact with the G protein. Enzyme-linked receptors, on the other hand, have a cytosolic domain that either has intrinsic enzyme activity or associates directly with an enzyme, and their activation directly triggers a series of enzymatic reactions, leading to a cellular response.