Cell Communication Basics

Front

What are the main ways cells can communicate with one another?

Back

Cells can communicate through chemical messengers, hormones, and gap junctions.

Front

What is a hormone?

Back

A hormone is a chemical message that usually travels through the bloodstream to target cells.

Front

What is a ligand?

Back

A ligand is a signal molecule that binds to a plasma-membrane protein.

Front

What is the function of a protein kinase?

Back

A protein kinase transfers phosphates from ATP to proteins.

Front

What type of signals are involved in long-distance communication using hormones?

Back

Endocrine signals.

Front

What are chemical messengers?

Back

Chemical messengers are substances that transmit signals between cells.

Front

What is the role of gap junctions in cell communication?

Back

Gap junctions allow direct communication between adjacent cells through cytoplasmic connections.

Front

What is a second messenger?

Back

A second messenger is a molecule that relays signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.

Front

What is paracrine signaling?

Back

Paracrine signaling is a form of cell communication where signals affect nearby cells.

Front

What is synaptic signaling?

Back

Synaptic signaling is a type of communication that occurs between neurons at synapses.