Question

Epinephrine initiates a signal transduction pathway that involves the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and leads to the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, a major source of energy for cells. But glycogen breakdown is only part of the fight-or-flight response that epinephrine brings about; the overall effect on the body includes increased heart rate and alertness, as well as a burst of energy. Given that caffeine blocks the activity of cAMP phosphodiesterase, propose a mechanism by which caffeine ingestion leads to heightened alertness and sleeplessness.

Answer 1

Answer:

Epinephrine initiates a signal transduction pathway that involves the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and leads to the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, a major source of energy for cells. But glycogen breakdown is only part of the fight-or-flight response that epinephrine brings about; the overall effect on the body includes increased heart rate and alertness, as well as a burst of energy. Given that caffeine blocks the activity of cAMP phosphodiesterase, propose a mechanism by which caffeine ingestion leads to heightened alertness and sleeplessness.

Explanation: