AP Biology - Cell Communication

Front

What is cell communication?

Back

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

Front

What is a ligand?

Back

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

Front

What is a receptor?

Back

A receptor is a protein on the cell surface or inside a cell that binds to a ligand and initiates a signal transduction pathway.

Front

What is signal transduction?

Back

Signal transduction is the process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A phosphorylation cascade is a series of chemical reactions in a cell where one enzyme activates another by adding a phosphate group, leading to a cellular response.

Front

What role do protein kinases play in cell signaling?

Back

Protein kinases are enzymes that add phosphate groups to proteins, often activating them and propagating the signal within the cell.

Front

What is the function of protein phosphatases?

Back

Protein phosphatases are enzymes that remove phosphate groups from proteins, often deactivating them and terminating the signal.

Front

What is autocrine signaling?

Back

Autocrine signaling is a form of cell communication where a cell secretes a signal that binds to its own receptors, affecting its own activity.

Front

What is paracrine signaling?

Back

Paracrine signaling is a form of cell communication where a cell secretes a signal that affects nearby target cells.

Front

What is endocrine signaling?

Back

Endocrine signaling is a form of cell communication where hormones are released into the bloodstream to affect distant target cells.