File:GPGIC schematic.jpeg

Summary
A brief breakdown of the mechanism involved in the G protein-gated ion channel: 1) The signal molecule binds the receptor, allowing the G protein's α-subunit to bind GTP. This causes the α-subunit and βγ-complex to break free from the receptor and each other. 2) The GTP-bound α-subunit signals an effector protein which begins a signaling cascade which leads to the G protein-gated ion channel eventually opening. 3) The G Protein-gated ion channel can be activated via pathways (A), (B), or (C).

Royce Shou, 2009