Cell Communication - AP

Front

What determines whether a cell is a target cell for a particular signal molecule?

Back

Signal receptors are the proteins on the surface of target cells that bind to specific signal molecules, allowing the cell to respond to the signal.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A phosphorylation cascade is a series of chemical reactions during cell signaling, where one enzyme phosphorylates another, leading to a chain reaction that amplifies the signal.

Front

Why are phosphorylation cascades important in cellular signal transduction?

Back

They amplify the original signal manyfold, allowing for a stronger and more widespread cellular response.

Front

What are neurotransmitters?

Back

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released by nerve cells to communicate with other nerve cells or target cells.

Front

What is a signaling molecule?

Back

A signaling molecule, also known as a ligand, is a substance that binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Front

What role do receptors play in cell communication?

Back

Receptors are proteins that receive and bind to signaling molecules, triggering a response in the target cell.

Front

What is the function of cAMP in cell signaling?

Back

cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) acts as a secondary messenger that transmits signals from receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.

Front

What is the difference between a ligand and a receptor?

Back

A ligand is a signaling molecule that binds to a receptor, while a receptor is a protein that receives the ligand and initiates a cellular response.

Front

What is the role of protein kinases in signal transduction?

Back

Protein kinases are enzymes that add phosphate groups to proteins, which can activate or deactivate the target proteins, thus propagating the signal.

Front

What is the significance of signal amplification in cellular responses?

Back

Signal amplification allows a small number of signaling molecules to produce a large response, enabling cells to react effectively to stimuli.