Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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What must occur to a receptor to trigger the transduction of a signal?

Phosphorylation
Conformational change
Dimerization
Internalization

The correct answer is: Conformational change

For a receptor to trigger the transduction of a signal, a conformational change is essential. When a signaling molecule, also known as a ligand, binds to its corresponding receptor on the cell surface, it causes the receptor to undergo a structural alteration. This change is crucial because it activates the receptor and initiates the subsequent signaling cascade within the cell. The process of signal transduction typically involves a series of biochemical events that relay the signal from the receptor to the cellular machinery that can produce a response, such as activating enzymes or altering gene expression. The conformational change is often what enables the receptor to interact with intracellular signaling proteins, leading to further molecular reactions downstream. Understanding the role of conformational changes in receptors is fundamental in the study of cellular communication, as it illustrates how external signals can influence a range of cellular responses.