AP Bio Topic 4.1-4.4

Front

What is 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 is the role of protein kinases in signaling pathways?

Back

Protein kinases activate proteins by transferring phosphate groups, which can alter the protein's function and activity.

Front

Define autocrine signaling.

Back

A type of cell signaling where a cell secretes a signal that binds to receptors on its own surface, leading to a response in the same cell.

Front

What is paracrine signaling?

Back

A form of cell signaling where a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells.

Front

What is endocrine signaling?

Back

A type of signaling where hormones are released into the bloodstream to affect distant target cells.

Front

What is juxtacrine signaling?

Back

A type of signaling that requires direct contact between the signaling and target cells.

Front

What is a second messenger?

Back

A small molecule that transmits signals from receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.

Front

What is the significance of phosphorylation cascades?

Back

They amplify the signal, allowing a small number of signaling molecules to produce a large response.

Front

What does it mean when a cell has a specific response to a signal?

Back

Different cells can respond differently to the same signal due to variations in receptor types and intracellular signaling pathways.

Front

What is the difference between a signal and a receptor?

Back

A signal is a molecule that conveys information, while a receptor is a protein that binds to the signal and initiates a response.