AP Cell Communication

Front

What is cell communication?

Back

Cell communication is the process by which cells send and receive signals to coordinate their activities, allowing them to respond to changes in their environment.

Front

What are signal molecules?

Back

Signal molecules, or ligands, are substances that bind to receptors on target cells to initiate a response.

Front

What is the role of protein kinases in cell signaling?

Back

Protein kinases are enzymes that transfer phosphate groups from ATP to specific proteins, activating or deactivating them as part of the signaling process.

Front

What determines the binding of a signal molecule to a receptor?

Back

The binding of a signal molecule to a receptor is determined by the size, polarity, and ability of the molecule to cross the cell membrane.

Front

What is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)?

Back

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

Front

What are receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)?

Back

RTKs are a class of cell surface receptors that, when bound by a ligand, dimerize and activate their intrinsic kinase activity, leading to phosphorylation of tyrosine residues.

Front

What is the difference between a primary messenger and a secondary messenger?

Back

Primary messengers are the initial signaling molecules (like hormones), while secondary messengers (like cAMP) are molecules that relay signals inside the cell after the primary messenger binds to a receptor.

Front

What is the function of phosphatases in cell signaling?

Back

Phosphatases are enzymes that remove phosphate groups from proteins, often reversing the action of kinases and thus regulating signaling pathways.

Front

How do cells respond differently to the same signal?

Back

Cells can respond differently to the same signal due to variations in receptor types, intracellular signaling pathways, and the presence of different target proteins.

Front

What is the significance of signal amplification in cell signaling?

Back

Signal amplification allows a small number of signaling molecules to produce a large response, enhancing the efficiency of cellular communication.