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 the main types of cell signaling?

Back

The main types of cell signaling are endocrine, paracrine, autocrine, and synaptic signaling.

Front

What role do protein kinases play in cell signaling?

Back

Protein kinases activate proteins by transferring a phosphate group to them, which can change the protein's activity.

Front

What is apoptosis?

Back

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that is essential for development and maintaining homeostasis.

Front

What is the first step of apoptosis?

Back

The first step of apoptosis is the fragmentation of the DNA.

Front

What is the difference between endocrine and paracrine signaling?

Back

Endocrine signaling involves hormones released into the bloodstream affecting distant cells, while paracrine signaling involves signals affecting nearby cells.

Front

What determines whether a signal molecule binds on the surface or enters the cell?

Back

The binding location is determined by the size, polarity, and ability of the molecule to cross the cell membrane.

Front

What is a receptor in cell signaling?

Back

A receptor is a protein on the cell surface or inside the cell that binds to specific signaling molecules, initiating a response.

Front

What is the significance of signal transduction pathways?

Back

Signal transduction pathways are crucial for translating external signals into cellular responses, allowing cells to adapt to changes.

Front

What is the role of phosphatases in cell signaling?

Back

Phosphatases remove phosphate groups from proteins, which can deactivate or alter the function of those proteins.