Cell Communication

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary from the cell communication topic, focusing on signaling mechanisms, pathways, and cellular responses.

Cell Communication

The process by which cells signal to each other and interpret signals from other cells and the environment.

Signaling Molecules

Chemicals that cells use to communicate with each other.

Local Signaling

Communication between cells that occurs over short distances.

Paracrine Signaling

A type of local signaling where secreted molecules influence nearby target cells.

Synaptic Signaling

Local signaling that occurs in the nervous system, where neurons communicate using neurotransmitters.

Endocrine Signaling

Long-distance signaling in which hormones are released into the bloodstream and travel to target cells.

Receptor Protein

A protein on the cell surface that binds signaling molecules and initiates a cellular response.

Signal Transduction Pathway

A series of molecular interactions that relay signals from receptors to target molecules in the cell.

Decoupling

When a receptor protein changes shape upon binding a ligand, triggering cellular signaling.

G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

A large family of cell-surface receptors that work with G proteins to transduce signals.

Signal Amplification

The process by which a single signaling molecule can produce a large response in the cell.

Second Messengers

Small molecules or ions that relay signals received by receptors on the cell surface.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A widely used second messenger that is produced from ATP by adenylyl cyclase.

Calcium Ions (Ca2+)

Act as a second messenger in many pathways due to their concentration gradient across cell membranes.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs)

Membrane receptors that attach phosphates to tyrosines and activate multiple signal pathways.

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

Receptors that open or close in response to signaling molecules, allowing ions to flow across the membrane.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs when cells are damaged or no longer needed, preventing harm to surrounding cells.

Phosphorylation Cascade

A series of enzyme-catalyzed phosphorylations that amplify and relay signals inside cells.

Scaffolding Proteins

Large relay proteins that enhance the efficiency of signal transduction by grouping other proteins involved in the same pathway.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences and regulate gene expression in response to signaling.

Glycogen Phosphorylase

An enzyme activated by phosphorylation that breaks down glycogen into glucose.

Protein Kinases

Enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from ATP to specific proteins.

Protein Phosphatases

Enzymes that remove phosphate groups from proteins, effectively turning off their activity.

Signal Reception

The initial step in cell signaling, where a signaling molecule binds to a receptor.

Signal Response

The final outcome of the signaling process, where cells execute specific actions based on the received signal.

Caspases

Proteases that play essential roles in programmed cell death (apoptosis) mechanisms.

Phosphodiesterase

An enzyme that hydrolyzes cyclic AMP, leading to the termination of the signal.

G protein Activation

The process by which GTP binds to a G protein, leading to its activation in response to signaling.

Inositol Triphosphate (IP3)

A second messenger produced in the signaling pathway that leads to the release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Diacylglycerol (DAG)

A second messenger that, along with IP3, contributes to the activation of protein kinase C.

Hydrophobic Messengers

Small or lipophilic signaling molecules that can pass through the cellular membrane.

Transduction Stages

Three key processes in cell signaling: reception, transduction, and response.

Local Regulators

Molecules secreted by cells that influence the behavior of nearby cells.

Endocrine Gland

A gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Signal Termination

The process that ensures a cellular response is appropriate and limited in time.

Cellular Metabolism

The biochemical processes that occur within cells; can be influenced by signaling pathways.