Signal transduction by G protein coupled receptors

G protein-coupled receptors and G proteins play a key role in transmembrane signaling. Theories regarding bioenergetics describe the mechanisms by which the energy made available by the oxidation of substrates, or by the absorption of light, is used for energy-consuming reactions such as ATP synthesis. This report joins bioenergetics with signal transduction via G protein-coupled receptors by reviewing bioenergetic mechanisms and G protein activation processes and by offering new interpretations of well-established theories. The purpose of these interpretations is to explain all experimental findings, to stimulate a series of experiments and to contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying transmembrane signaling.