cell communication

How do cells communicate?

Cells communicate via chemical signals. These signals can be local or long-distance.

What is required for cell communication?

Communication between cells requires:

1. A signaling cell

2. A signaling molecule

3. A responding cell

4. A receptor

What are the four steps of cell signaling?

1. Receptor activation: The receptor changes its shape after binding to a signaling molecule.
2. Signal transduction: The signal is transmitted through the cell. Often involves a signaling cascade.
3. Response: The cell responds. For example, activating an enzyme or turning on transcription of a gene.
4. Termination: The response is terminated so the cell can respond to new signals.

What is a ligand?

A ligand is a signaling molecule that binds to a receptor.