Cellular Communication

Front

What is paracrine signaling?

Back

Paracrine signaling is a form of cell communication where a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells, affecting their behavior.

Front

What happens during the response stage of a signal transduction pathway?

Back

During the response stage, specific cellular responses are triggered, such as the inhibition of glycogen synthesis and promotion of glycogen breakdown.

Front

What are the three steps of signal transduction in order?

Back

The three steps of signal transduction are reception, transduction, and response.

Front

What does amplification of the signal molecule refer to in cellular communication?

Back

Amplification of the signal molecule refers to the process where a small number of signaling molecules can produce a large response in the target cell.

Front

What is the role of cell surface receptor proteins?

Back

Cell surface receptor proteins bind to signaling molecules (ligands) and initiate a cellular response by triggering signal transduction pathways.

Front

Define signal transduction.

Back

Signal transduction is the process by which a cell responds to external signals through a series of molecular events, leading to a specific cellular response.

Front

What is the difference between paracrine and endocrine signaling?

Back

Paracrine signaling involves local signaling between nearby cells, while endocrine signaling involves hormones that travel through the bloodstream to distant target cells.

Front

What is a ligand in the context of cellular communication?

Back

A ligand is a molecule that binds to a receptor, initiating a signal transduction pathway and eliciting a cellular response.

Front

Explain the concept of receptor specificity.

Back

Receptor specificity refers to the ability of a receptor to bind only to certain ligands, ensuring that cells respond appropriately to specific signals.

Front

What is the significance of second messengers in signal transduction?

Back

Second messengers are small molecules that relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell, amplifying the signal.