AP Bio Unit 4

Front

What is signal transduction?

Back

The process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response, often involving a series of molecular events.

Front

What role do enzymes play in signal transduction?

Back

Enzymes can modify proteins through phosphorylation or dephosphorylation, thus regulating the signal transduction pathway.

Front

What is the function of Protein Phosphatase?

Back

Enzymes that remove phosphate groups from proteins, effectively shutting off signaling pathways.

Front

What is a secondary messenger in cell signaling?

Back

Small molecules that relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.

Front

What is the role of cAMP in cell signaling?

Back

cAMP acts as a secondary messenger that activates protein kinases, leading to a cellular response.

Front

What are plasmodesmata?

Back

Channels between plant cells that allow for the exchange of small soluble compounds.

Front

What is the interaction between cyclin and CdK?

Back

Cyclin binds to cyclin-dependent kinase (CdK) to activate it, initiating the cell cycle progression.

Front

What is the function of a ligand in cell signaling?

Back

A molecule that binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Front

What is the difference between a receptor and a ligand?

Back

A receptor is a protein that receives signals, while a ligand is the signaling molecule that binds to the receptor.

Front

What is the significance of gap junctions in cell communication?

Back

Gap junctions allow direct communication between adjacent cells through channels that permit the passage of ions and small molecules.