{draw:frame} {draw:frame} Thus, the first G-protein was discovered. It was given the name now commonly used, G-protein, because it reacts with Guonosine Tri-phosphate. There are thus several types of G-proteins. Each is activated by only some receptors and can in turn stimulate some specific amplifier systems. In this way characteristic responses in the cells are generated. G-proteins stimulate (or can inhibit) the formation of cyclic AMP and hence the cellular metabolism (Wikipedia). Some G-proteins can alter the change of ions over the cell membranes (needed for signal transduction) and consequently, the activity of the cell. {draw:frame} G-proteins affect protein phosphorylation (the attachment of a Phosphate used to inactivate or activate the protein), and exert control over cell division and differentiation. The signalling cascade will start when the receptor of the G-protein is activated by the signal molecule, which in itself is a highly complex process. {draw:frame} Alfred Gilman Had completed one of the greatest tasks ever. He, along with Martin Rodbell, was successful in isolating the G-proteins. Without his work in the research field studying signalling pathways, there wouldn’t have been successful advances in treatments for some diseases such as diabetes and the Insulin receptors. Obviously with such a great achievement it was only fitting that he was able to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1994. New ways in determining the answer tomany problems within the cell and cell interactions too has been credited to Gilman’s success with the G-proteins. Ever since his father had named his first son after two very brilliant scientists and a textbook it was only fitting that Alfred G. Gilman would devote all of his life to his work in signalling pathways.