Question

Forskolin is a drug used by scientists to render adenylyl cyclase (AC) constitutively (always) active. What will this do to to PKA levels and IP3 levels?
a) increase PKA
b) increase IP3
c) no effect on PKA
d) no effect on IP3

Answer 1

Answer:

Both the PKA and IP3 levels increases. Hence, the correct answer is a and b.

Explanation:

Forskolin refers to a drug that increases the levels of cAMP or cyclic AMP by stimulating the enzyme adenylyl cyclase. The cAMP is an essential secondary messenger that ensures proper biological response of cells to hormones and other signals and also takes part in communication between the cells.  

When Forskolin increases the levels of cAMP, it will stimulate the enzyme PKA or protein kinase A and at the same time also enhances the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ and IP3 (inositol 1,2,5 triphosphate).