Cell Signalling & Response

Types of Cell signalling mechanisms

The four types are paracrine, endocrine, autocrine, and direct signaling across gap junctions.

Direct signaling across gap junctions

The process through which a signal is transferred from one cell across a shared gap junction into another cell.

• Myocardial cells have gap junctions that allow ions to pass between them, enabling synchronised contractions

Paracrine signaling

Signalling where cells communicate with nearby cells. Faster but shorter response.

• Neurons communicating across synapses

Endocrine signaling

Signalling where hormones are released by endocrine cells to reach distant target cells. Gives a slower but longer response.

• Pancreatic cells release insulin into the bloodstream to regulate glucose levels across the whole body

Autocrine signaling

When cells send signals to themselves or similar cells.

• Cell initiating apoptosis after infection

Gap junctions

Connections between plasma membranes of neighboring cells, allowing signaling molecules to diffuse between them.

Signal reception

The initial process by which a cell detects a signaling molecule

through a receptor.

Intracellular signal transduction

Information of the signal transfers across the plasma membrane into the cell.

• Signaling pathway or cascade

Cellular response

The outcome of signal transduction results in a change in cell behaviour.

Process of Cell Signal Response

Signal reception > Intracellular signal transduction > cellular response