Cell and Molecular Biology Exam 3 Study Guide

A set of flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and processes from cell and molecular biology relevant for exam preparation.

Endocrine Signaling

A type of cell signaling where hormones released by endocrine cells travel through the bloodstream to reach target cells.

Paracrine Signaling

Cell signaling where signaling molecules are released and affect nearby target cells; works over short distances.

Neuronal Signaling

A type of signaling in which neurotransmitters are released from neurons and travel along axons to reach target cells.

Contact-Dependent Signaling

Cell signaling that requires direct contact between signaling and target cells through membrane-bound molecules.

Acetylcholine in Heart Muscle Cell

Acetylcholine binding leads to relaxation of the heart muscle cell and decreased heart rate.

Acetylcholine in Salivary Gland Cell

Causes exocytosis and secretion of saliva in salivary gland cells.

Acetylcholine in Skeletal Muscle Cell

Acetylcholine binding triggers a rapid contraction in skeletal muscle cells.

G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

The largest family of receptors that have seven transmembrane domains and activate intracellular G-proteins upon binding.

Ion Channel-Coupled Receptors

Receptors that act as gatekeepers, opening and closing to allow certain ions to pass in response to ligand binding.

Enzyme-Coupled Receptors

These receptors have an intracellular domain that functions as an enzyme, typically a protein kinase activated by ligand binding.

Steroid Hormones

Hormones that enter the plasma membrane, bind to nuclear receptors, and directly regulate gene expression.

Protein Phosphorylation

A process that acts as a molecular switch, where the addition of a phosphate group activates or deactivates signaling.

GTP-Binding Protein Regulation

The activation state changes from GDP-bound (inactive) to GTP-bound (active) upon receiving a signal.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A secondary messenger produced by adenylyl cyclase that mediates various signaling pathways.

Phospholipase C

An enzyme that generates secondary messengers inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacyl glycerol (DAG).

Notch Pathway

A juxtacrine signaling pathway where the Delta signal binds to the Notch receptor to influence gene transcription.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that assess whether the cell is ready to proceed with division or needs to pause.

Cdk Regulation

Cyclin levels fluctuate to regulate the activity of Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) which are essential for cell cycle progression.

Apoptosis

A programmed cell death process regulated by caspases and influenced by the Bcl2 family of proteins.

Mitogen

A substance that stimulates cellular division by activating signaling pathways that promote cell cycle progression.

Growth Factor

A substance that stimulates cell growth by promoting macromolecule synthesis and inhibiting degradation.