IB C2.1 Cellular Signaling

Front

What is a ligand?

Back

A ligand is a signaling molecule that binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Front

What is the role of ligands in cellular signaling?

Back

Ligands bind to receptor proteins, causing them to relay messages to intracellular proteins, leading to a cellular response.

Front

What are G-protein coupled receptors?

Back

G-protein coupled receptors are a large family of receptors that detect molecules outside the cell and activate internal signal transduction pathways.

Front

What are gated ion channels?

Back

Gated ion channels are membrane proteins that open or close in response to specific signals, allowing ions to pass through the membrane.

Front

What is a tyrosine-kinase receptor?

Back

Tyrosine-kinase receptors are a type of receptor that, when bound by a ligand, activates its intrinsic kinase activity, leading to phosphorylation of tyrosine residues on target proteins.

Front

What is a secondary messenger?

Back

A secondary messenger is a molecule that transmits signals from a receptor to target molecules inside the cell, amplifying the signal.

Front

What is cAMP and its role in cellular signaling?

Back

cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) is a secondary messenger that relays signals from G-protein coupled receptors to activate protein kinases.

Front

How do ligands interact with cell-surface receptors?

Back

Ligands bind to cell-surface receptors, triggering conformational changes that activate intracellular signaling pathways.

Front

What is the difference between primary and secondary messengers?

Back

Primary messengers are signaling molecules (like hormones) that bind to receptors, while secondary messengers (like cAMP) relay the signal inside the cell.

Front

What is the significance of receptor specificity?

Back

Receptor specificity ensures that only certain ligands can bind to specific receptors, allowing for precise cellular responses.