AP Biology Unit 4 Review

Front

What is signal transduction?

Back

The process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response, often involving a series of molecular events.

Front

What role do secondary messengers play in cell signaling?

Back

They amplify the signal and help activate or deactivate enzymes within the cell during the transduction phase.

Front

What is the function of cyclins in the cell cycle?

Back

Cyclins are proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which drive the cell through different phases.

Front

What is a receptor in the context of hormone signaling?

Back

A specific protein on or in a cell that binds to a hormone, allowing the cell to respond to that hormone.

Front

What is the significance of cAMP in signal transduction?

Back

cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) acts as a secondary messenger that activates protein kinases, leading to a cellular response.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A series of events where one enzyme phosphorylates another, leading to a chain reaction that amplifies the signal within the cell.

Front

How do hormones exert their effects on target cells?

Back

Hormones bind to specific receptors on target cells, triggering a response that can include changes in gene expression or enzyme activity.

Front

What is the difference between autocrine and paracrine signaling?

Back

Autocrine signaling occurs when a cell targets itself, while paracrine signaling involves a cell targeting nearby cells.

Front

What is the role of G-proteins in cell signaling?

Back

G-proteins act as molecular switches that relay signals from activated receptors to target proteins inside the cell.

Front

What is the end result of a signal transduction pathway?

Back

The end result can be a variety of cellular responses, such as changes in gene expression, enzyme activity, or cell behavior.