AP Bio Insta-Review Topic 4.2: Intro to Signal Transduction

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 are secondary messengers in signal transduction?

Back

Molecules that relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell, amplifying the signal. Examples include cAMP and Ca²⁺.

Front

How do different cells respond to the same signal?

Back

Different cells can respond differently to the same signal due to variations in receptor types, secondary messengers, and cellular context.

Front

What role does calcium play in muscle contraction?

Back

Calcium ions bind to proteins in muscle cells, triggering contraction by facilitating the interaction between actin and myosin.

Front

Where is calcium stored in muscle cells?

Back

Calcium is primarily stored in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER) of muscle cells.

Front

How is calcium released from the smooth ER?

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Calcium is released from the smooth ER through gated ion channels in response to specific signals.

Front

What is a ligand in the context of signal transduction?

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A ligand is a molecule that binds to a receptor, initiating a signal transduction pathway.

Front

What is the difference between a primary messenger and a secondary messenger?

Back

A primary messenger (like a hormone) binds to a receptor on the cell surface, while secondary messengers (like cAMP) are generated inside the cell to propagate the signal.

Front

What is the function of gated ion channels in signal transduction?

Back

Gated ion channels open or close in response to signals, allowing ions to flow across the membrane and alter the cell's electrical potential.

Front

What is the significance of receptor specificity in signal transduction?

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Receptor specificity ensures that only certain signals can activate specific pathways, allowing for precise cellular responses.