Cell Signaling and Signal Transduction

Front

What is cell signaling?

Back

Cell signaling is the process by which cells communicate with each other to coordinate their activities, often involving the release of signaling molecules that bind to receptors on target cells.

Front

What are ligand-gated channels?

Back

Ligand-gated channels are membrane proteins that open or close in response to the binding of a specific ligand, allowing ions to flow across the membrane.

Front

What role do protein phosphatases play in cell signaling?

Back

Protein phosphatases remove phosphate groups from proteins, which can deactivate signaling pathways and regulate cellular processes.

Front

What happens during signal transduction?

Back

Signal transduction is the process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response, often involving a series of molecular events and amplifications.

Front

What is a secondary messenger?

Back

Secondary messengers are small molecules that relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell, amplifying the signal.

Front

What is the function of protein kinases?

Back

Protein kinases are enzymes that transfer phosphate groups from ATP to specific proteins, activating or deactivating them and thus regulating cellular activities.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A phosphorylation cascade is a series of events in which one protein kinase activates another, leading to a rapid amplification of the signal within the cell.

Front

What occurs when a ligand binds to its receptor?

Back

When a ligand binds to its receptor, it causes a conformational change in the receptor, which can initiate a signaling cascade 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 on the cell surface or inside the cell that recognizes and binds to the ligand.

Front

What is the role of cAMP in cell signaling?

Back

cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) acts as a secondary messenger that transmits signals from receptors to target proteins, often activating protein kinases.