AP Cell Communication and Signaling Flashcard Review

Front

What is signal transduction?

Back

A series of steps triggered by the receptor binding that leads to a cellular response.

Front

What are phosphatases?

Back

Enzymes that shut off signaling pathways by removing phosphate groups from proteins.

Front

What are plasmodesmata?

Back

Connections between plant cells that allow for communication and transport of materials.

Front

What occurs during reception in cell signaling?

Back

The process where a ligand binds to a receptor on the target cell.

Front

What are ligands?

Back

Signaling molecules that bind to receptors to initiate a cellular response.

Front

What is the role of protein kinases in signaling?

Back

Enzymes that add phosphate groups to proteins, often activating them in signaling pathways.

Front

What is the function of gap junctions?

Back

Channels that allow for direct communication between adjacent animal cells.

Front

Define amplification in the context of cell signaling.

Back

The process by which a small number of signaling molecules can produce a large response in the target cell.

Front

What is the difference between autocrine and paracrine signaling?

Back

Autocrine signaling involves a cell responding to its own signals, while paracrine signaling involves signals affecting nearby cells.

Front

What is a receptor in cell signaling?

Back

A protein on the cell surface or inside the cell that binds to specific signaling molecules.