Cell Communication

Flashcards covering key concepts related to cell communication and signaling pathways.

Cell-to-cell communication

Essential for both multicellular and unicellular organisms.

Signal transduction pathway

A series of steps by which a signal on a cell’s surface is converted into a specific cellular response.

Epinephrine

A signaling molecule that triggers the fight-or-flight response.

Local signaling

Communication between cells via direct contact or cell-cell recognition.

Hormones

Chemicals used for long-distance signaling in plants and animals.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

The largest family of cell-surface receptors that work with G proteins.

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)

Membrane receptors that attach phosphates to tyrosines and can trigger multiple pathways.

Ligand-gated ion channel receptor

Acts as a gate that allows specific ions through when a signaling molecule binds.

Intracellular receptor

Found in the cytosol or nucleus, activates specific genes upon binding with small or hydrophobic messengers.

Second messengers

Small, nonprotein molecules or ions that spread throughout a cell and participate in signaling pathways.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A widely used second messenger converted from ATP by adenylyl cyclase.

Calcium ions (Ca2+)

Act as a second messenger and can be regulated to trigger cellular responses.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death integrating multiple cell-signaling pathways.

Caspases

Main proteases that execute apoptosis by cutting up proteins.

Phosphorylation cascade

A series of protein phosphorylations that relay a signal and amplify cellular responses.