Cellular Communication and Signaling

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to gene expression, cellular responses, signaling, and bacterial communication as covered in the lecture notes.

Gene Expression

Increasing or decreasing specific protein production.

Activation (Gene Expression)

Protein production increases.

Suppression (Gene Expression)

Protein production decreases.

Signaling Molecules

Non-polar, hydrophobic; regulate gene expression.

mRNA

Directs protein synthesis.

Metabolism

Sum of all cell chemical reactions.

Catabolic Pathways

Breaks down large molecules.

Anabolic Pathways

Builds large molecules.

Inhibitors

Block enzyme function.

Growth Factors

Signals regulating cell growth.

Apoptosis

Controlled cell death.

Signal Termination

Enzymatic breakdown of ligands.

Protein Kinases

Activate proteins by adding phosphates.

Phosphatases

Deactivate proteins by removing phosphates.

Adenylyl Cyclase

Converts ATP to cyclic AMP (active).

Phosphodiesterase

Changes cyclic AMP to AMP (inactive).

Quorum Sensing

Communication for coordinated behaviors.

Quorum

Sufficient cell density for actions