Cellular Communication

Front

What are second messengers?

Back

Molecules that relay signals from cell surface receptors to target molecules inside the cell, amplifying the signal.

Front

What is the role of cell surface receptor proteins?

Back

Proteins located on the cell membrane that bind to signaling molecules and initiate a cellular response.

Front

Describe the transduction stage of signal transduction pathways.

Back

The stage where the signal is converted into a form that can bring about a cellular response, often involving a series of molecular events.

Front

What is direct cell communication?

Back

Communication that occurs when cells physically interact, such as white blood cells sharing antigen information.

Front

What does amplification of a signal molecule mean?

Back

The process by which a small number of signaling molecules can produce a large response in the target cell.

Front

What is a G-protein coupled receptor?

Back

A type of cell surface receptor that activates a G-protein when bound by a signaling molecule.

Front

What is the function of adenyl cyclase in signal transduction?

Back

An enzyme that converts ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP), a second messenger that propagates the signal within the cell.

Front

What is the role of protein kinases in cellular signaling?

Back

Enzymes that add phosphate groups to proteins, often leading to a change in the activity of the target proteins.

Front

What is the significance of cAMP in cellular communication?

Back

cAMP acts as a second messenger that mediates the effects of various hormones and neurotransmitters.

Front

What is the difference between endocrine and paracrine signaling?

Back

Endocrine signaling involves hormones traveling through the bloodstream to distant targets, while paracrine signaling involves local signaling between nearby cells.