Question

Valium targets a multi-subunit (multimeric) transmembrane protein called the GABA receptor. Valium binding stabilizes an active form of the receptor that can accept two GABA molecules. Valium is a:

Answer

feedback inhibitor


allosteric inhibitor


non-competitive inhibitor


competitive inhibitor


allosteric activator

I know it is allosteric, but I'm leaning towards allosteric inhibitor, I don't think my class even talked about activators.

Answer 1

@mrdoldum

Answer 2

@Tutormenoq2 If it is stabilizing the active form of the receptor do you think that would inhibit the receptor? If we look at this as a door/door stop analogy with the active form being to door open and the inactive from the door closed and the vallium as our door stop, then if we use the door stop to prop the door open, did that make the door more or less active? That is to say, is it easier for many many people to get through the door or harder?

Answer 3

So it is allosteric inhibitor. thanks. @mrdoldum

Answer 4

@Tutormenoq2 Allosteric activator. It is stabilizing the receptor to an active form, meaning that the system is more "on" so to speak.

Answer 5

oh.

Answer 6

@Tutormenoq2 See, what happens is vallium binds to a specific GABA receptor and increases the affinity of that receptor. This means that the receptor is more reactive to its proper chemical.