This Discussion will allow you the opportunity to engage with your peers to explore the difference between ion channels and G proteins. You will be able to apply this understanding to a specific patient question. Additionally, please reply to your peers with additional information and sources to either support or challenge responses. 

To prepare:

• Review the Required Learning Resources.
• Consider the difference between ion channels and G protein

Post a response answering the following:

• Explain the difference between ion channels and G proteins as they relate to signal transduction and targets of medications.
• How would you answer the following patient question:
  • My grandmother has a mental illness. I have the same genes as her. Will I also get the same mental illness?

Note: Your response needs to be supported and validated by three (3) scholarly peer-reviewed resources located outside of your course Learning Resources.

Upload a copy of your discussion writing to the draft Turnitin for plagiarism check.  Your faculty holds the academic freedom to not accept your work and grade at a zero if your work is not uploaded as a draft submission to Turnitin as instructed.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts.

DAY 6

You are required to participate in the Discussion on at least 3 different days (a different day for main post and each response). It is important to adhere to the weekly time frame to allow others ample time to respond to your posting.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts.  Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days by supporting or expanding on their explanation, as well as how they have described their response to the patient.

Peer responses should include at least two (2) supporting scholarly, peer-reviewed references outside of the provided Learning Resources. Your responses should also include additional resources to either support or refute the responses and should demonstrate critical thinking.

Note: Be sure you work to share additional perspectives on the details described by your colleague. Responses of “I agree” or “good point” will result in lower score grading.

SOLUTION:

Ion channels and G proteins are both important for how cells send and respond to signals, but they work in different ways. Ion channels are like tiny gates in the cell membrane that allow ions, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, or chloride, to flow in or out of the cell. This happens quickly and changes the cell’s electrical charge, which is important for things like nerve signals and muscle movement. Medications that target ion channels often either block or help the flow of these ions. For example, calcium channel blockers are used for high blood pressure, and sodium channel blockers can help control seizures.

G proteins, on the other hand, are part of a slower signaling process. They work with special cell surface proteins called G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). When a signal, like a hormone or neurotransmitter, binds to a GPCR, it activates the G protein inside the cell. This sets off a chain reaction that can trigger various processes, such as making second messengers like cAMP. These messengers amplify the signal and help control more complex cell activities. Many drugs target GPCRs because they affect many body functions. The main difference is that ion channels work directly and quickly to change the cell’s charge, while G proteins work indirectly, creating a slower but more widespread response…………………KINDLY CLICK THE PURCHASE ISON BELOW TO ACCESS THE ENTIRE SOLUTION FOR $10