Compare and contrast the actions of g couple proteins and ion gated channels.

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G protein coupled proteins and ion gated channels are two distinct types of cell membrane receptors that facilitate communication within the cell. G protein coupled proteins, also known as seven-transmembrane receptors, are activated when a ligand binds to them from outside the cell, prompting an internal conformational change in the receptor. This conformational change triggers a signal transduction cascade involving several intracellular messengers such as cAMP and IP3 which activates various effectors molecules like adenylyl cyclase and phospholipases. The end result is usually modulation of gene expression or changes in enzyme activity inside the cell.

In contrast, ion gated channels are responsible for allowing ions to freely pass through the cell membrane by creating pores that open or close depending on the electrochemical gradient across them. These channels will either be voltage dependent (opening or closing based on changes in membrane potential) or ligand gated (opening/closing based on binding of specific molecules). When open, these channels allow ions to flow into or out of cells via facilitated diffusion which then allows electrical signals to travel throughout cells.

Thus while both types of receptors facilitate cellular communication they do so quite differently; GPCR’s use modulate gene expression whereas ion gated channels create pathways for ions to move in and out of cells thus allowing for electrical signal transmission throughout a tissue/organism.