Insulin receptor normally exists as preformed, constitutive dimer. Group of answer choicesTrueFalse

The statement that the insulin receptor normally exists as a preformed, constitutive dimer is True.

Explanation:

Insulin receptors are typically found as dimers, meaning two receptor units are joined together. This dimerization is crucial for their function, as it allows the receptor to effectively bind to insulin molecules and initiate the signaling cascade required for cellular glucose uptake and metabolism. Insulin receptors are unique compared to many other receptors because they are equipped to dimerize even in the absence of insulin; this is referred to as constitutive dimerization.

When insulin binds to the receptor, it leads to a further conformational change, enhancing the receptor’s activity and facilitating downstream signaling events. Understanding this mechanism is vital in the study of diabetes and insulin resistance, where the function of insulin receptors can be impaired.