G protein

noun

variants or G-protein
ˈjē-ˈprō-ˌtēn How to pronounce G protein (audio)
-ˈprō-tē-ən
plural G proteins or G-proteins
: any of a class of cell membrane proteins that are coupled to cell surface receptors and upon stimulation of the receptor by an extracellular signaling molecule (such as a hormone or neurotransmitter) bind to GTP to form an active complex which mediates an intracellular event (such as activation of adenylate cyclase)

Word History

Etymology

guanosine triphosphate-binding protein

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of G protein was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near G protein

Cite this Entry

“G protein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/G%20protein. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

G protein

noun
variants or G-protein
: any of a class of cell membrane proteins that are coupled to cell surface receptors and upon stimulation of the receptor by an extracellular molecule (as a hormone or neurotransmitter) bind to GTP to form an active complex which mediates an intracellular event (as activation of adenylate cyclase)
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