AP Biology Topic 4.2*: 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 role do protein kinases play in signal transduction?

Back

They transfer phosphate groups to proteins, activating or deactivating them, which regulates cellular activities.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A series of events in which one enzyme activates another through phosphorylation, amplifying the signal.

Front

What is the benefit of amplification in signal transduction pathways?

Back

It allows a small signal to produce a large response, enhancing the cell's ability to react to stimuli.

Front

Define paracrine signaling.

Back

A form of cell signaling where a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells.

Front

What is synaptic signaling?

Back

A type of signaling in the nervous system where neurotransmitters are released from a neuron to communicate with a target cell across a synapse.

Front

What is autocrine signaling?

Back

A type of signaling where a cell secretes a signal that binds to receptors on its own surface, influencing its own activity.

Front

What is the first step of signal transduction?

Back

Reception, where a signaling molecule binds to a receptor on the target cell.

Front

What are second messengers?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between endocrine and paracrine signaling?

Back

Endocrine signaling involves long-distance communication through hormones, while paracrine signaling occurs over short distances between adjacent cells.