Q3CC - Campbell Biology

Question

Explain how receptor tyrosine kinases and intracellular receptors might function in triggering cell division. (Review Figures 11.8 and 11.9 and concept 11.2)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The intracellular receptor and receptor tyrosine kinase are involved in triggering the cell division process. The activation of these receptors, in turn, activates the transcription factors of the cell afterward. It can turn on the genes that can help the cell to pass through the cell cycle checkpoints.

Step 1: Description of intracellular receptors

The receptors which are present within the cell for the communication of signals between the cellular organelles are the intracellular receptors. Examples of intracellular receptors are intracrine peptide hormones.

Step 2: Description of receptor tyrosine kinase

The cell surface receptor, which belongs to the category of tyrosine kinases, is known as the receptor tyrosine kinase. These receptors carry varied biological functions such as cell growth, metabolism, and so on. 

Step 3: Role of tyrosine kinase and intracellular receptors in the cell division

The activation of intracellular receptors makes it act as a transcription factor. It, in turn, activates the gene and causes the cell to proceed via the checkpoint and undergo a division process. 

The receptor tyrosine kinase gets activated by a ligand. The binding of a ligand with the receptor will form a dimer that involves the other proteins' phosphorylation. 

It results in the activation of a cascade of reactions in the signal transduction process. It switches on the gene present in the nucleus. 

Finally, it triggers the cell division mechanism. For example, the estrogen receptors activate the gene that encodes for a protein to initiate cell division.