Cell Communication and Feedback Loops

Front

What do cells have in order to respond to a particular hormone?

Back

A receptor for the hormone.

Front

What is the term for a process that counteracts a change in a physiological variable, such as blood sugar levels?

Back

Negative Feedback Loop.

Front

What type of signaling involves hormones released into the bloodstream to affect distant target cells?

Back

Endocrine signaling.

Front

What is an example of direct cell communication?

Back

White blood cells bumping into each other sharing antigen information.

Front

What is the term for the outcome or reaction of a cell to a stimulus?

Back

Response.

Front

What is the role of insulin in blood sugar regulation?

Back

Insulin opens channels in cell membranes to allow glucose to enter the cell, lowering blood sugar levels.

Front

What is the primary function of receptors in cell communication?

Back

To bind specific signaling molecules (ligands) and initiate a cellular response.

Front

What is the difference between endocrine and paracrine signaling?

Back

Endocrine signaling involves hormones traveling through the bloodstream to distant targets, while paracrine signaling involves local signaling between nearby cells.

Front

What is a feedback loop in biological systems?

Back

A feedback loop is a process where the output of a system regulates its own activity, often to maintain homeostasis.

Front

What is the significance of negative feedback in maintaining homeostasis?

Back

Negative feedback helps to stabilize physiological systems by reversing changes away from a set point.