Final answer:
Glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked proteins found on the outer leaflet can be released by phospholipase C-specific phospholipases. Phospholipase C cleaves phosphatidylinositol biphosphate (PIP₂) into diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol triphosphate (IP3), which serve as second messengers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked proteins found on the outer leaflet can be released by phospholipase C-specific phospholipases. Phospholipase C is an enzyme that cleaves phosphatidylinositol biphosphate (PIP₂) into two second messengers: diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol triphosphate (IP3).
Diacylglycerol remains in the plasma membrane and activates protein kinase C (PKC), while IP3 diffuses into the cytoplasm and binds to ligand-gated calcium channels, releasing Ca²+.