Briefly describe the cell cycle, its checkpoints, and the general proteins required to move past each checkpoint.

Description
When answering these four questions, you may use both writing (text) and drawings. However, all drawings
should be clearly labeled, and your answers may NOT consist only of drawings.

  1. Trace the pathway of a protein from translation to the plasma membrane. You may name this protein anything
    you want, but it must be a transmembrane protein (either single-pass integral membrane protein or multipass
    channel protein), with the N-terminus on the cytosolic side of the plasma membrane. The protein must also have
    several protein modifications, including (but not limited to) N-linked glycosylation, cysteine disulfide bonds,
    lipid modifications, and 3-D folding.
    You do not need to describe the processes of transcription or translation. Assume that transcription has already
    occurred, and translation has begun, with the mRNA attached to the ribosome. You do, however, need to
    describe the process(es) by which the protein is modified and transported to the plasma membrane.
    Any accessory molecules encountered by your protein along the way must be returned to their starting point or
    conformation.
  2. Choose one of the following signal transduction pathways and trace the pathway of cell signaling from the
    cell surface receptor to its effects on transcription.
    Wnt
    Hedgehog
    Cytokines
    Insulin
    Epinephrine
    Serotonin
    Glucagon
    In your answer, be sure to describe the cell surface receptor and its ligand, the intracellular signaling pathway,
    and the regulation of this pathway, or the processes by which the signal is terminated. Also remember that the
    signaling pathway you describe must go to the nucleus and affect transcription.
  3. Briefly describe one voltage-gated ion channel and two protein pumps found in the heart. In your answer, you
    should explain how the voltage-gated ion channel responds to voltage changes and how it controls which ions
    pass through the channel. For the protein pumps, be sure to describe the structure of the protein pump and any
    conformational changes that it goes through. Additionally, you should briefly explain the importance of each ion
    channel or pump for the normal functioning of the cardiac muscle.
  4. Briefly describe the cell cycle, its checkpoints, and the general proteins required to move past each
    checkpoint. For each cell cycle checkpoint, be sure to describe what the cell is “checking for” and how this
    “check” occurs, along with the result if the checkpoint cannot be passed. Your answer should also include a
    description of the structure of MPF, its regulation, and its general targets or functions. Be sure to include any
    accessory molecules or proteins involved in regulation of MPF, while also describing the process by which MPF
    is formed and activated.
    In this answer, you should also choose two proteins involved in the cell cycle, which, if mutated, will cause
    cancer. Describe these proteins and their normal functions, and then show how a mutation in these proteins will
    result in cancer.
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