AP Bio: Unit 4 (CED)

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A series of biochemical events in which one enzyme activates another through phosphorylation, often used for signal amplification in cellular processes.

Front

What is the primary function of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Back

Plasmodesmata are channels that allow direct communication and transport of materials between adjacent plant cells.

Front

What type of signaling occurs when cells are in direct contact?

Back

Juxtacrine signaling, where signaling molecules are exchanged between adjacent cells.

Front

What is the first stage of signal transduction?

Back

Reception, where a signaling molecule binds to a receptor on a target cell.

Front

What is synaptic signaling?

Back

A form of local signaling where neurotransmitters are released from a neuron to communicate with a nearby target cell.

Front

Define amplification in the context of cell signaling.

Back

The process by which a small number of signaling molecules can produce a large response in the target cell.

Front

What is the role of receptors in cell signaling?

Back

Receptors are proteins that bind to signaling molecules and initiate a cellular response.

Front

What is the difference between endocrine and paracrine signaling?

Back

Endocrine signaling involves long-distance communication through hormones, while paracrine signaling occurs over short distances between nearby cells.

Front

What is autocrine signaling?

Back

A type of signaling where a cell responds to its own signaling molecules.

Front

What are gap junctions?

Back

Specialized intercellular connections that allow direct communication between adjacent animal cells.