Aresearcher is using a small molecule as an inhibitor to manipulate a signaling pathway. this inhibitor prevents phosphorylation and most likely targets a:

The complete question is:

A researcher is using a small molecule inhibitor to manipulate a signaling pathway. This inhibitor prevents phosphorylation and most likely targets

a:  phosphatase.

b: ligand-gated ion channel.

c: G protein-coupled receptor.

d: G-protein.

e: receptor kinase.

The correct answer is:

e: receptor kinase.

Explanation:

Kinase is the enzyme that add phosphate groups by transferring them from molecules having high energy (i.e. ATP) to target compound and the process of adding phosphate groups to the target compound is called phosphorylation.

In light of the above explanation, it is clear that kinase is the type of enzyme that involves in phosphorylation therefore, if an inhibitor prevents phosphorylation, it will automatically targets receptor kinase to inhibit the process of phosphorylation.

let that person have a turn to speak : )