Chapter 15: Cell Signaling

Cell signaling

It is the process by which cells communicate with each other to coordinate and regulate various physiological functions.

Endocrine signaling

hormones are released into the bloodstream and carried to distant target cells to elicit a response.

Paracrine signaling

It involves the release of signaling molecules into the extracellular fluid, affecting nearby cells.

Autocrine signaling

It occurs when cells release signaling molecules that act on the same cells or cell type that released them.

Synaptic signaling

It occurs in the nervous system, where neurotransmitters are released across the synapse to transmit signals between neurons.

Contact-dependent signaling

It involves direct cell-to-cell contact, where membrane-bound signaling molecules interact with receptors on adjacent cells.

Signal reception

It occurs when a target cell detects and binds to specific signaling molecules, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, through cell surface receptors.

Signal transduction

Upon binding, signal transduction pathways are activated, which involve a cascade of intracellular events, such as phosphorylation, second messenger production, or gene expression changes.

Cellular response

The cellular response can vary and may include changes in gene expression, enzyme activity, cell division, differentiation, movement, or apoptosis.

G-protein coupled receptors

GPCRs are a large and diverse family of cell-surface receptors involved in a wide range of signaling processes.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

RTKs are transmembrane receptors that are activated by the binding of specific ligands, such as growth factors or hormones.

Ion channel receptors

Ion channel receptors are integral membrane proteins that form channels allowing the selective passage of ions across the cell membrane.

Signaling in plants

Signaling in plants involves the transmission of information from one part of the plant to another, allowing them to respond to environmental cues, coordinate growth and development, and defend against pathogens.