Suppose you were to model amplification by the phosphorylation cascade in Figure 11.16, using a penny for each kinase 1, a nickel for each kinase 2, and a dime for each kinase 3. Also suppose that Ras and each of the kinases can activate 10 proteins. How much money would you need to construct your model?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the number of each type of kinase at each step of the cascade. Since each kinase can activate 10 proteins, and each subsequent kinase is activated by the previous one, calculate the total number of kinases at each step. Start with 1 Ras activating 10 kinase 1 proteins.
2. Calculate the number of kinase 2 proteins activated by the 10 kinase 1 proteins. Since each kinase 1 can activate 10 kinase 2 proteins, multiply the number of kinase 1 proteins by 10.
3. Determine the number of kinase 3 proteins activated by the kinase 2 proteins. Multiply the total number of kinase 2 proteins by 10, as each kinase 2 can activate 10 kinase 3 proteins.
4. Assign monetary values to each type of kinase: a penny for each kinase 1, a nickel for each kinase 2, and a dime for each kinase 3. Calculate the total cost for each type of kinase by multiplying the number of kinases by their respective monetary values.
5. Sum the total costs for kinase 1, kinase 2, and kinase 3 to find out the total amount of money needed to construct the model.

Key Concepts

Phosphorylation Cascade

A phosphorylation cascade is a series of biochemical events where one enzyme activates another through the addition of phosphate groups. This process amplifies the signal within a cell, allowing a small initial signal to produce a large response. Each kinase in the cascade phosphorylates the next, leading to a rapid and extensive activation of downstream proteins.

Kinases

Kinases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from high-energy molecules, like ATP, to specific substrates, typically proteins. This phosphorylation can change the activity, localization, or interaction of the target proteins, playing a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, including signal transduction and metabolism.

Signal Amplification

Signal amplification refers to the process by which a small initial signal is greatly increased through a series of biochemical reactions. In the context of a phosphorylation cascade, each activated kinase can trigger multiple downstream proteins, leading to a significant enhancement of the cellular response. This mechanism is vital for ensuring that cells can respond effectively to external stimuli.