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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about calmodulin is TRUE?
A
Calmodulin causes the release of Ca2+ ions from the endoplasmic reticulum.
B
When associated with Ca2+, calmodulin is deactivated and unable to affect the activity of its targets.
C
In the presence of Ca2+, calmodulin binds to and activates CaM-dependent protein kinases.
D
Calmodulin binds to and activates Protein Kinase C (PKC) when active.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of calmodulin: Calmodulin is a calcium-binding messenger protein expressed in all eukaryotic cells. It plays a crucial role in calcium signaling by binding to calcium ions (Ca2+) and then interacting with various target proteins to regulate their activity.
Examine the statement about calmodulin causing the release of Ca2+ ions from the endoplasmic reticulum: Calmodulin itself does not directly cause the release of Ca2+ ions from the endoplasmic reticulum. Instead, it acts as a sensor and effector once Ca2+ is present in the cytoplasm.
Consider the statement about calmodulin being deactivated when associated with Ca2+: This is incorrect. Calmodulin is activated upon binding with Ca2+, which allows it to interact with and regulate various target proteins, including kinases.
Evaluate the statement about calmodulin binding to and activating CaM-dependent protein kinases: This statement is true. In the presence of Ca2+, calmodulin undergoes a conformational change that enables it to bind to and activate CaM-dependent protein kinases, which are involved in various signaling pathways.
Assess the statement about calmodulin activating Protein Kinase C (PKC): Calmodulin does not directly activate PKC. PKC is activated by diacylglycerol (DAG) and Ca2+, but calmodulin primarily interacts with CaM-dependent protein kinases rather than PKC.