Cell surface receptors — Which set correctly belongs to the category of plasma membrane receptors?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of these

Explanation:


Introduction:
Cells deploy multiple classes of receptors at the plasma membrane to detect and transduce extracellular signals. This question reviews which families are considered cell surface receptors.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Receptors can be located at the cell surface or inside the cell.
  • Each listed class has characteristic mechanisms of action.
  • We are categorizing by location (surface) rather than ligand type.


Concept / Approach:
Enzyme linked receptors (e.g., receptor tyrosine kinases), ion channel linked receptors (ligand gated channels), and G protein coupled receptors are all embedded in the plasma membrane and initiate signaling upon ligand binding.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Enzyme linked: transmembrane proteins with intracellular catalytic domains.2) Ion channel linked: ligand binding opens or closes an ion pore across the membrane.3) GPCRs: seven transmembrane helices that activate heterotrimeric G proteins.4) Because all three are cell surface located, the comprehensive answer is 'All of these'.


Verification / Alternative check:
Biochemistry texts consistently group these three under cell surface receptor classes, in contrast to intracellular nuclear receptors that bind lipophilic ligands.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Any single class alone is incomplete given the question asks which come under the category.
  • Nuclear receptors: intracellular, not cell surface.


Common Pitfalls:
Mixing location categories with signaling mechanism categories. Here, location at the plasma membrane defines cell surface receptors.


Final Answer:
All of these.

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