G proteins with three different subunits, designated as alpha, beta, and gamma.
Alpha and gamma subunits attach to the plasma membranes via lipid anchors. In
the absence of a signal, the entire GDP-bound G protein complex binds a nearby
GPCR. Once activated, GDP bound to the alpha subunit is replaced by GTP, and
the GTP-bound alpha subunit and beta-gamma dimer dissociate.