Biology / Unit 4 Bio 0791 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Nitric Oxide as a Gaseous Ligand
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The idea
Nitric oxide is a short-lived gaseous ligand that diffuses directly across the plasma membrane and acts only over short distances before it degrades.
In practice
Nitroglycerin treats heart disease by triggering nitric oxide release, which relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels and restores blood flow.
Where people slip
Nitric oxide's very short half-life limits its reach — it cannot function as a long-distance, endocrine-style ligand.
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