Signal Transduction Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to signal transduction processes in cells.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell responds to external signals and converts them into a functional response.

Transmembrane Proteins

Proteins that span the entire cellular membrane and facilitate communication and transport across the membrane.

Passive Diffusion

The movement of molecules across a membrane without the need for energy, moving from areas of high concentration to low concentration.

Active Transport

The process that moves ions or molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy (ATP).

Uniporter

A type of transporter that moves a single type of molecule across a membrane.

Symporter

A transporter that moves two different types of molecules or ions in the same direction across a membrane.

Antiporter

A transporter that moves two different types of molecules or ions in opposite directions across a membrane.

Secondary Active Transport

Transport of molecules that does not directly require ATP but relies on the energy created by primary active transport.

Ligand

A signaling molecule that binds to a receptor to induce a reaction within a cell.

Effector Cell

A cell that responds to a stimulus or signal and carries out a physiological response.

Receptor

A protein that receives signals from ligands to initiate cellular responses.

G Protein

Mobile membrane proteins that act as molecular switches inside cells, involved in transmitting signals from receptors to effector proteins.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A secondary messenger that transmits signals inside cells and is derived from ATP.

Dimerization

The process by which two receptors pair up upon ligand binding, activating each other.

Conformational Change

A change in the shape of a protein that occurs upon ligand binding and often is necessary for signal transduction.

MAP Kinase

A family of protein kinases involved in signaling pathways that regulate cellular responses.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen into glucose, often mediated by hormonal signals.

Insulin Receptor

A receptor that binds insulin to regulate glucose uptake and metabolism.

Signal Amplification

The process of increasing the strength of a signal, allowing for a greater cellular response.

Chemical Signals

Molecules that convey information between cells, including hormones and neurotransmitters.

Physical Signals

Environmental stimuli such as light, sound, and temperature that can affect cellular functions.