Some calmodulin kinases, such as CAM kinase II, remain active after calcium concentration has returned to the baseline. How is this achieved?
A) Autophosphorylation
B) Calcium bind covalently to CAM
C) CAM associates with another activating ion
D) CAM binds to another protein
E) CAM is cleaved at the amino terminal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Autophosphorylation allows CAM kinase II to remain active even after calcium concentration has returned to baseline. This occurs when the kinase phosphorylates itself on a specific threonine residue, which allows the kinase to remain in a partially active state even in the absence of calcium. This autophosphorylation mechanism is thought to be important for the long-term maintenance of neuronal signaling pathways.

Some Calmodulin Kinases, Such as CAM Kinase II, Remain Active