IB Biology: C2.1 Cell Signaling Basics

Front

What is cell signaling?

Back

It is the process of getting a message across from a cell or group of cells to another cell or group of cells.

Front

How do cells communicate with each other?

Back

Cells communicate by sending and receiving chemical signals (Chemical signaling) or electrical signals (Neural signaling).

Front

What is chemical signaling?

Back

It is a process by which cells and tissues communicate with other cells and tissues by transmitting signaling molecules called ligands.

Front

What are the requirements for cell signaling?

Back

Signaling cell, signaling molecule (ligand), receptor, target cell.

Front

What are receptors in cell signaling?

Back

Receptors are proteins to which ligands or signaling molecules bind to deliver a message.

Front

What is a ligand-binding site?

Back

It is the binding site on a receptor where the ligand binds.

Front

What is a ligand?

Back

A ligand is a signaling molecule released by a cell to deliver a message to another cell by binding selectively to a specific site on a protein (receptor) on or inside the receiving cell.