AP Weekly Flashcard: Signaling and Feedback (No Cell Cycle)

Front

What determines whether a cell is a target cell for a particular signal molecule?

Back

Signal receptors are the proteins on the surface of target cells that bind to specific signal molecules, allowing the cell to respond to the signal.

Front

What type of feedback occurs when hormone signals continue to amplify until a process is completed, such as stopping bleeding?

Back

Positive Feedback Response is a process where the output of a system intensifies the process, leading to an even greater output.

Front

What is a common receptor protein found in eukaryotic cells?

Back

G protein-coupled receptor is a type of receptor that detects molecules outside the cell and activates internal signal transduction pathways.

Front

What is the function of a protein kinase?

Back

A protein kinase transfers phosphates from ATP to proteins, which can activate or deactivate the target proteins.

Front

What type of transmembrane receptor allows ions to flow in and out of the cell in response to a signal?

Back

Gated ion channel is a type of transmembrane receptor that opens or closes in response to specific signals, allowing ions to pass through.

Front

What is the role of cAMP in cell signaling?

Back

cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) acts as a secondary messenger that transmits signals from receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.

Front

What is the difference between positive and negative feedback in biological systems?

Back

Positive feedback amplifies a response, while negative feedback reduces or inhibits a response to maintain homeostasis.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A phosphorylation cascade is a series of chemical reactions during cell signaling where one enzyme phosphorylates another, leading to a chain reaction that amplifies the signal.

Front

What is the function of phosphatases in cell signaling?

Back

Phosphatases remove phosphate groups from proteins, which can deactivate signaling pathways and restore the cell to its original state.

Front

What is the significance of signal transduction pathways?

Back

Signal transduction pathways are crucial for cells to respond to external signals, allowing for communication and coordination of cellular activities.