AP Biology Unit 4 (Topics 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, and 4.7)

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 role do receptors play in signal transduction?

Back

Receptors are proteins that bind to signaling molecules (ligands) and initiate the signal transduction pathway.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A series of events where one protein kinase activates another, leading to a rapid amplification of the signal.

Front

What is the difference between local and long-distance signaling?

Back

Local signaling involves communication between nearby cells, while long-distance signaling involves hormones traveling through the bloodstream to distant target cells.

Front

What is positive feedback in biological systems?

Back

A process that enhances or amplifies changes; it pushes a system away from its starting state.

Front

What is negative feedback in biological systems?

Back

A process that counteracts changes, helping to maintain homeostasis by reducing the output or activity of a system.

Front

How do cells communicate through direct contact?

Back

Cells can communicate through gap junctions or cell surface molecules that interact with each other.

Front

What are local regulators?

Back

Molecules that act over short distances to influence nearby cells, such as neurotransmitters and growth factors.

Front

What is the role of second messengers in signal transduction?

Back

Second messengers are small molecules that relay signals received by receptors to target molecules inside the cell.

Front

What is the significance of mutations in signal transduction pathways?

Back

Mutations can disrupt normal signaling processes, potentially leading to diseases such as cancer.