Cell Signaling

A set of vocabulary flashcards created to help understand key terms and concepts related to cell signaling.

Cell Signaling

The series of steps that allow cells to respond to signals from their environment.

Ligand

A chemical signal that is secreted by the initiating cell and travels to the target cell.

Transduction

The process by which a signal is moved from the cell membrane to the nucleus through phosphorylation of proteins.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, typically proteins, which alters their function.

Second Messenger

Molecules that relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.

Paracrine Signaling

A type of signaling where cells make physical contact to transmit signals and initiate a response.

GPCRs (G Protein Coupled Receptors)

Receptors that, when bound by a ligand, phosphorylate and activate G proteins leading to a cellular response.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

A feedback loop that reduces output or activity to maintain homeostasis.

Positive Feedback Mechanism

A feedback loop that amplifies or increases output to drive a process to completion.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death triggered by cell signaling pathways.

Juxtacrine Signaling

cell-to-cell communication that requires direct physical contact between adjacent cells

Paracrine Signaling

a form of cell signaling where cells communicate with nearby cells through signaling molecules.

Autocrine Signaling

a type of cell signaling in which a cell secretes signaling molecules that can bind to receptors on its own surface, affecting its own behavior or function.

Endocrine Signaling

a form of cell signaling in which hormones are secreted into the bloodstream, allowing long-distance communication between cells.

Reception

the process by which target cells detect a signaling molecule through specific receptors, initiating a cellular response.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a signal from outside the cell is converted into a cellular response through a series of molecular changes within the cell.