GABRA6 is best described as which type of molecule?

GABRA6 is best described as which type of molecule?

• A. GABA receptor subunit
• B. Enzyme
• C. Neurotransmitter
• D. Ion channel

Answer: (A)

GABRA6 encodes one of the protein subunits that make up the GABA-A receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel. The gene name itself identifies a subunit of the receptor, not the transmitter itself or an enzyme. The GABA-A receptor is a pentameric complex formed from multiple subunits, including alpha-6, which together create the functional ion channel that mediates inhibitory neurotransmission by allowing chloride ions to flow into the neuron when GABA binds. So the most precise description is that GABRA6 is a GABA receptor subunit.

GABRA6 encodes one of the protein subunits that make up the GABA-A receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel. The gene name itself identifies a subunit of the receptor, not the transmitter itself or an enzyme. The GABA-A receptor is a pentameric complex formed from multiple subunits, including alpha-6, which together create the functional ion channel that mediates inhibitory neurotransmission by allowing chloride ions to flow into the neuron when GABA binds. So the most precise description is that GABRA6 is a GABA receptor subunit.