Signal transduction & cell communication

Front

What is signal transduction?

Back

Signal transduction is the process by which a cell responds to external signals through a series of molecular events, leading to a cellular response.

Front

What role do protein kinases play in signal transduction?

Back

Protein kinases are enzymes that add phosphate groups to proteins, which can activate or deactivate the target proteins, thus propagating the signal within the cell.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A phosphorylation cascade is a series of events in which one protein kinase activates another through phosphorylation, amplifying the signal and leading to a cellular response.

Front

What is the function of a secondary messenger in cell signaling?

Back

Secondary messengers are small molecules that relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell, amplifying the signal.

Front

What is cAMP and its role in signaling?

Back

cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) is a secondary messenger that transmits signals from hormones like epinephrine, activating protein kinases and leading to various cellular responses.

Front

How does the binding of a ligand to a receptor initiate a signaling pathway?

Back

The binding of a ligand to a receptor causes a conformational change in the receptor, activating it and triggering a cascade of intracellular signaling events.

Front

What is the significance of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in cell signaling?

Back

GPCRs are a large family of receptors that detect molecules outside the cell and activate internal signal transduction pathways, playing a crucial role in many physiological processes.

Front

Define the term 'ligand' in the context of cell signaling.

Back

A ligand is a molecule that binds to a receptor, initiating a signaling pathway and eliciting a cellular response.

Front

What is the role of transcription factors in signal transduction?

Back

Transcription factors are proteins that regulate gene expression in response to signaling pathways, ultimately leading to changes in cell function.

Front

Explain the concept of 'cellular response' in signal transduction.

Back

Cellular response refers to the changes in cellular activity, such as gene expression, enzyme activity, or cell behavior, that occur as a result of signal transduction.