Ras proteins are known for which of the following characteristics?

Ras proteins are small GTPases that play a crucial role in cell signaling pathways, particularly those related to growth and proliferation. One of the defining characteristics of Ras proteins is their ability to undergo multiple conformational changes. When Ras binds to GTP, it undergoes a conformational change that allows it to interact with various downstream effector proteins, facilitating signal transduction. This conformational flexibility is essential for Ras's role in cellular signaling, as it enables Ras to alternate between active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) states.

This property of Ras proteins is significant because the ability to switch conformations allows Ras to relay signals effectively within the cell, influencing processes such as cell growth, survival, and differentiation. Understanding these conformational changes provides insights into how Ras mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, commonly seen in cancers.

While Ras proteins do indeed influence GTP hydrolysis, they are typically associated with promoting GTP binding and maintaining the active GTP-bound state under certain conditions, rather than outright inhibition of hydrolysis. Ras doesn't solely participate in hormonal signaling; it is involved in a broad range of signaling pathways. Furthermore, Ras proteins are not large integral membrane proteins; they are generally anchored to the membrane via lipid modifications but