AP Bio Cell Communication and Cell Signaling

Front

What do protein kinase molecules do to other molecules?

Back

They add a phosphate group to them.

Front

What is paracrine signaling?

Back

A form of cell communication where secretory cells release local regulators (e.g., growth factors) via exocytosis to adjacent cells.

Front

What is a Negative Feedback Loop?

Back

A process where a change in a physiological variable triggers a response that counteracts the initial change, such as insulin release lowering blood sugar levels.

Front

Why is cell communication important?

Back

It helps coordinate cell activities and enables specific environmental responses.

Front

What type of macromolecule are receptor molecules?

Back

Protein.

Front

What is the role of exocytosis in cell signaling?

Back

Exocytosis allows secretory cells to release signaling molecules to communicate with adjacent cells.

Front

Define signal transduction.

Back

The process by which a cell responds to external signals through a series of molecular events, leading to a cellular response.

Front

What are local regulators?

Back

Molecules that act over short distances to influence nearby cells, such as growth factors.

Front

What is the difference between paracrine and synaptic signaling?

Back

Paracrine signaling involves local regulators affecting nearby cells, while synaptic signaling involves neurotransmitters released across a synapse to communicate with a target cell.

Front

What is the function of receptor proteins?

Back

Receptor proteins bind to specific signaling molecules (ligands) and initiate a cellular response.