First, you apply a signaling ligand known to activate this Gs protein and track yellow fluorescence. Second, you apply the signaling ligand and the purified bacterial toxin simultaneously and track yellow fluorescence. Which of the following conclusion will you draw based on the above experimental data? The toxin locks the α subunit in the “off” state. It is impossible to draw conclusions from these data. The toxin locks the α subunit in the “on” state. The toxin has no effect on heterotrimeric G-protein signaling.

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You have isolated a new species of infectious bacteria.  The bacterium releases a toxin that you believe is adversely affecting heterotrimeric Gs (stimulatory)-protein-based signaling. To explore this hypothesis you use an epithelial cell line that is expressing a cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)-labeled α subunit and a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-labeled β subunit of a heterotrimeric Gs-protein.  CFP emits blue light and has excitation and emission wavelengths of 440 nm and 490 nm, respectively.  YFP emits yellow light and has excitation and emission wavelengths of 490 nm and 527 nm, respectively.  To test your hypothesis, you perform two experiments. First, you apply a signaling ligand known to activate this Gs protein and track yellow fluorescence. Second, you apply the signaling ligand and the purified bacterial toxin simultaneously and track yellow fluorescence. Which of the following conclusion will you draw based on the above experimental data?

  1. The toxin locks the α subunit in the “off” state.
  2. It is impossible to draw conclusions from these data.
  3. The toxin locks the α subunit in the “on” state.
  4. The toxin has no effect on heterotrimeric G-protein signaling.
### Analysis of Yellow Fluorescence in Response to Ligand and Ligand + Toxin

#### Overview
The two graphs illustrate the changes in yellow fluorescence in response to the addition of different substances: a signaling ligand alone (Fig. A), and a signaling ligand combined with a toxin (Fig. B). Yellow fluorescence is measured as the fraction of its maximum value.

#### Fig. A: Response to Signaling Ligand
- **X-axis**: Time.
- **Y-axis**: Yellow fluorescence (fraction of maximum).
- **Details**: This graph shows how yellow fluorescence changes upon the addition of a signaling ligand. At the point marked by the red arrow, the signaling ligand is added. 
  - Initially, yellow fluorescence is at its maximum value (1.0).
  - Upon the addition of the signaling ligand, the fluorescence rapidly drops to a lower value.
  - There is a sustained dip in fluorescence thereafter, indicating a significant and prolonged response to the signaling ligand.

#### Fig. B: Response to Signaling Ligand Plus Toxin
- **X-axis**: Time.
- **Y-axis**: Yellow fluorescence (fraction of maximum).
- **Details**: This graph depicts the yellow fluorescence response when both a signaling ligand and a toxin are added simultaneously, as marked by the red arrow.
  - Initially, similar to Fig. A, yellow fluorescence is at its maximum value (1.0).
  - The addition of the signaling ligand plus toxin results in a rapid decrease in fluorescence.
  - The drop in fluorescence is slightly more pronounced and remains consistently low for the duration of the measurement, indicating a possibly heightened or sustained response when both the ligand and toxin are present.

#### Interpretation
The comparison between the two figures suggests that the presence of a toxin alongside the signaling ligand influences the yellow fluorescence response, potentially enhancing or prolonging the effect compared to the signaling ligand alone. This information could be vital for understanding the interaction between signaling molecules and toxins in a biological context.

For more detailed biological implications and experimental context, further study and additional data would be necessary.
Transcribed Image Text:### Analysis of Yellow Fluorescence in Response to Ligand and Ligand + Toxin #### Overview The two graphs illustrate the changes in yellow fluorescence in response to the addition of different substances: a signaling ligand alone (Fig. A), and a signaling ligand combined with a toxin (Fig. B). Yellow fluorescence is measured as the fraction of its maximum value. #### Fig. A: Response to Signaling Ligand - **X-axis**: Time. - **Y-axis**: Yellow fluorescence (fraction of maximum). - **Details**: This graph shows how yellow fluorescence changes upon the addition of a signaling ligand. At the point marked by the red arrow, the signaling ligand is added. - Initially, yellow fluorescence is at its maximum value (1.0). - Upon the addition of the signaling ligand, the fluorescence rapidly drops to a lower value. - There is a sustained dip in fluorescence thereafter, indicating a significant and prolonged response to the signaling ligand. #### Fig. B: Response to Signaling Ligand Plus Toxin - **X-axis**: Time. - **Y-axis**: Yellow fluorescence (fraction of maximum). - **Details**: This graph depicts the yellow fluorescence response when both a signaling ligand and a toxin are added simultaneously, as marked by the red arrow. - Initially, similar to Fig. A, yellow fluorescence is at its maximum value (1.0). - The addition of the signaling ligand plus toxin results in a rapid decrease in fluorescence. - The drop in fluorescence is slightly more pronounced and remains consistently low for the duration of the measurement, indicating a possibly heightened or sustained response when both the ligand and toxin are present. #### Interpretation The comparison between the two figures suggests that the presence of a toxin alongside the signaling ligand influences the yellow fluorescence response, potentially enhancing or prolonging the effect compared to the signaling ligand alone. This information could be vital for understanding the interaction between signaling molecules and toxins in a biological context. For more detailed biological implications and experimental context, further study and additional data would be necessary.
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