AP Bio: Cell Signaling and Transduction Flashcard Review

Front

What is cell signaling?

Back

Cell signaling is the process by which cells communicate with each other through signaling molecules, leading to a response in the target cell.

Front

What are receptors in cell signaling?

Back

Receptors are proteins located on the cell surface or inside the cell that bind to signaling molecules, initiating a cellular response.

Front

What is a second messenger?

Back

Second messengers are small molecules that relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.

Front

What role does cAMP play in cell signaling?

Back

cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) acts as a second messenger that transmits signals from hormones and other signaling molecules to elicit a cellular response.

Front

How do different cells respond to the same signaling molecule?

Back

Different cells can respond differently to the same signaling molecule due to variations in receptor types and intracellular signaling pathways.

Front

What is 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.

Front

What is the significance of phosphorylation in cell signaling?

Back

Phosphorylation is a key mechanism in cell signaling that activates or deactivates proteins, thereby regulating cellular processes.

Front

What determines a target cell's response to a signaling molecule?

Back

A target cell's response to a signaling molecule is determined by the presence of specific receptors for that molecule.

Front

What are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)?

Back

GPCRs are a large family of receptors that detect molecules outside the cell and activate internal signal transduction pathways.

Front

What is the function of protein kinases in signaling pathways?

Back

Protein kinases are enzymes that add phosphate groups to proteins, which can activate or deactivate the target proteins in signaling pathways.