Cell Signaling and Signal Transduction Pathways

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cell signaling and signal transduction pathways.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell converts one type of signal or stimulus into another, leading to a cellular response.

Endocrine Signaling

A form of signaling where hormones circulate in the bloodstream and affect distant cells.

Paracrine Signaling

Local signaling where the signal molecules act on nearby cells in the same tissue.

Autocrine Signaling

A type of signaling where a cell produces a signal that binds to its own receptors, thus responding to itself.

Contact-Dependent Signaling

Communication between cells that requires direct contact, involving membrane-bound signals.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR)

A receptor that activates a G protein upon receiving a signal, leading to changes in cellular activity.

Signal Amplification

The process by which a small number of signaling molecules lead to a large cellular response.

Second Messengers

Intracellular signaling molecules generated in response to an external signal; examples include cyclic AMP and calcium ions.

Transducer

A molecule or protein that helps relay a signal within a cell, often converting one form of signal to another.

Signal Integration

The ability of a transducer to combine multiple input signals to produce a single output response.