Question

Which type of membrane proteins function by recognising and binding to hormones and neurotransmitters?

Answer 1

The membrane proteins which function by recognising hormones are G-protein coupled receptors, Receptor tyrosine kinases.

G-protein coupled receptors are sarpentine receptor. This receptor passes through the membrane 7times. This receptor is coupled with three G-proteins ( alpha, beta & gamma). This receptor recognise hormones like glucagon, adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, etc.

Receptor tyrosine kinase receptor is such a receptor which has its own kinase activity in its cytoplasmic domain. This receptor recognises Insulin.

The receptors recognise neurotransmitters are ligand gated ion channels. Neurotransmitter binding causes structural conformational changes in the receptor and activates the receptor. Then receptor opens up and allows ions to be exchanged based on gradient.