AP Bio Unit 4: Cell Communication

Front

What is cell communication?

Back

Cell communication is the process by which cells send and receive signals to coordinate their functions and respond to changes in their environment.

Front

What are the main types of cell signaling?

Back

The main types of cell signaling are autocrine, paracrine, endocrine, and juxtacrine signaling.

Front

Define autocrine signaling.

Back

Autocrine signaling occurs when a cell secretes a signal that binds to receptors on its own surface, affecting its own activity.

Front

Define paracrine signaling.

Back

Paracrine signaling involves the release of signals by a cell that affect nearby target cells.

Front

Define endocrine signaling.

Back

Endocrine signaling involves hormones being released into the bloodstream to affect distant target cells.

Front

Define juxtacrine signaling.

Back

Juxtacrine signaling occurs when cells communicate through direct contact, often involving membrane-bound signals.

Front

What is a ligand?

Back

A ligand is a molecule that binds to a specific receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Front

What role do receptors play in cell communication?

Back

Receptors are proteins on the cell surface or inside the cell that bind to ligands and trigger a response.

Front

What is signal transduction?

Back

Signal transduction is the process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response.

Front

What are G-proteins?

Back

G-proteins are molecular switches that transmit signals from receptors to target proteins inside the cell.