medium · LSAT Reading Comprehension
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a massive family of proteins found on the surface of cells, acting as the primary gatekeepers of cellular communication. When a specific molecule, such as a hormone or neurotransmitter, binds to the exterior portion of the GPCR, the receptor undergoes a conformational change. This change allows it to activate a G-protein inside the cell, which then triggers a cascade of internal signals leading to a physiological response, such as a change in heart rate or the sensation of light. Because GPCRs are involved in almost every physiological process, they are the target of approximately one-third of all modern pharmaceuticals. However, drugs that target GPCRs often cause side effects because a single type of receptor might be located in multiple organs, leading to unintended reactions in tissues other than the one being treated.
A researcher is developing a drug to treat a specific lung condition by targeting a GPCR that regulates airway constriction. If the researcher's goal is to minimize side effects, which of the following findings would be most problematic?
- The same receptor the drug targets is also abundant in heart and digestive-tract tissue.
- The targeted receptor occurs only on lung cells and nowhere else in the body.
- The drug needs several hours to trigger the receptor's conformational change.
- The drug binds the receptor's external molecule-binding site rather than the internal G-protein.
- Roughly a third of all current pharmaceuticals act on GPCRs of one kind or another.
Sign up free to see the explanation and track your rank →
More LSAT Reading Comprehension practice
- The author's use of the word "demonstrates" most strongly suggests that the author's attit
- Which one of the following most accurately describes the primary purpose of the second par
- Which one of the following most accurately describes the author's attitude toward the pres
- Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?
- Which one of the following most accurately describes the author's attitude toward true cri
- Which one of the following most accurately describes the primary function of the second pa
- Which one of the following most accurately describes the author's attitude toward urban mi
- Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main point of the passage?