AP Cell Communication

Front

What is cell communication?

Back

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

Front

What are ligands?

Back

Ligands are molecules that bind to receptors on cells to initiate a cellular response.

Front

What are receptors?

Back

Receptors are proteins on the cell surface or inside the cell that bind to specific 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 role do G-protein coupled receptors play in cell communication?

Back

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large family of receptors that activate intracellular signaling pathways in response to ligand binding.

Front

What is the difference between a polar and nonpolar signal molecule?

Back

Polar signal molecules cannot cross the cell membrane and bind to surface receptors, while nonpolar signal molecules can cross the membrane and bind to intracellular receptors.

Front

What is the function of gated ion channels?

Back

Gated ion channels are receptors that open or close in response to a signal, allowing ions to flow across the membrane and change the cell's electrical potential.

Front

How does the size of a signal molecule affect its ability to enter a cell?

Back

Larger signal molecules typically cannot cross the cell membrane and must bind to surface receptors, while smaller molecules may enter the cell directly.

Front

What is the significance of receptor specificity?

Back

Receptor specificity ensures that only certain signals can bind to specific receptors, allowing for precise cellular responses.

Front

What happens when a ligand binds to its receptor?

Back

When a ligand binds to its receptor, it causes a conformational change in the receptor, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling events.