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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & diversity

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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Meet the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the rockstars of the transmembrane receptor world! 🎤 These guys are a HUGE and diverse group that know how to pass on a message (or signal) inside our cells.

<ul>
	<li>
	GPCRs - These are the receptors on the cell surface. Think of them as the concert stage for our rock band.
	</li>
	<li>
	G proteins - The backup band members, hanging out right next to our GPCR stage. G proteins have three members

	<ul>
		<li>&alpha; (Alpha) - The lead singer 🎤</li>
		<li>&beta; (Beta) and &gamma; (Gamma) - The guitarist and drummer 🎸🥁</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

The band remains silent (or inactive) when a molecule called guanosine diphosphate (GDP) is linked with the lead singer, &alpha;.

<ul>
	<li>Scene: A fan (ligand) rushes to the stage (GPCR) and hands over a special note (binds to the receptor).</li>
	<li>This exciting moment makes the band change its rhythm! 🎶 The GPCR changes shape and this causes our lead singer, &alpha;, to drop its GDP ticket.</li>
	<li>The VIP pass, guanosine triphosphate (GTP), now takes its place with &alpha;.</li>
	<li>With the new VIP access, the G protein activates, and the band members go solo, starting their own shows inside the cell! 🎉 This leads to the cell&#39;s epic response to the fan&#39;s (ligand&#39;s) request.</li>
</ul>

GPCRs are versatile. They&#39;re like that famous band that gets all kinds of requests from fans. These fans (ligands) can be

<ul>
	<li>🌅 Light-sensitive compounds (Imagine cells in our eyes jamming to light signals)</li>
	<li>👃 Odours (How your nose knows what you just cooked)</li>
	<li>💑 Pheromones (The secret love notes between organisms)</li>
	<li>💉 Hormones (Body&#39;s internal messaging service)</li>
	<li>🧠 Neurotransmitters (The brain&#39;s rapid-fire texts)</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Light-sensitive compounds: Your eyes detecting light. Thanks to GPCRs, you see the beautiful sunrise!</li>
	<li>Odours: When you smell pizza baking. GPCRs in your nose detect this aroma and make your mouth water.</li>
	<li>Pheromones: Many animals use them to attract mates. Imagine a butterfly dancing to a special scent song only another butterfly can hear!</li>
	<li>Hormones: Feeling adrenaline rush from a roller-coaster ride? GPCRs felt it first and relayed the thrill!</li>
	<li>Neurotransmitters: Ever had a sudden thought or memory? That&#39;s neurotransmitters chatting with GPCRs in your brain.</li>
</ul>

🔍 Remember: GPCRs are the messengers, always tuned in, ready to start the music and deliver the messages inside our cells! 📡🎶

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlock the Secrets of G-Protein-Coupled Receptors!

Table of content

GPCR rock band – the all-stars of cell communication 🎸

The link-up - GPCRs & g proteins 🔗

When the music starts 🎵