AP Bio Daily Topic 4.3*: Signal Transduction

Front

What is a transcription factor?

Back

A protein that binds to specific DNA sequences to regulate gene expression, either activating or repressing transcription.

Front

What is apoptosis?

Back

Programmed cell death, a process that eliminates unnecessary or damaged cells in an organism.

Front

What role do receptors play in signal transduction?

Back

Receptors are proteins on the cell surface or inside cells that bind to signaling molecules (ligands) and initiate a cellular response.

Front

Define signal transduction.

Back

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

Front

What is a ligand?

Back

A molecule that binds to a receptor to initiate a signal transduction pathway.

Front

Explain the concept of a signaling pathway.

Back

A series of molecular interactions that transmit signals from a receptor to a target within the cell, resulting in a specific response.

Front

What is the function of G-proteins in signal transduction?

Back

G-proteins act as molecular switches that relay signals from activated receptors to downstream effectors.

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 second messengers in signal transduction?

Back

Second messengers are small molecules that amplify and propagate the signal within the cell after the receptor is activated.

Front

Define the term 'cellular response' in the context of signal transduction.

Back

The outcome of a signal transduction pathway, which can include changes in gene expression, cell behavior, or metabolic activity.