Epinephrine and Insulin Signaling Pathways

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the signaling pathways of epinephrine and insulin, focusing on the mechanisms involved in receptor activation and downstream effects.

G Protein

A molecular switch that activates signaling pathways upon receptor binding.

Adenylate Cyclase

An enzyme that converts ATP to cyclic AMP upon activation by G proteins.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A second messenger important in many biological processes.

Phospholipase C

An enzyme that splits phospholipids into diacylglycerol and IP3.

Diacylglycerol (DAG)

A lipid that remains in the membrane and plays a role in signaling.

Inositol trisphosphate (IP3)

A second messenger that triggers the release of calcium ions from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinase

A receptor that activates its intrinsic kinase activity upon binding to its ligand, leading to phosphorylation events.

Phosphorylation

The process of adding a phosphate group to a molecule, often influencing its activity.

Insulin Receptor Substrates (IRS)

Proteins that associate with phosphorylated insulin receptor, leading to downstream signaling.

Protein Kinase B (AKT)

A key signaling molecule that promotes cell survival and growth by phosphorylating various targets.

Alpha 1 Adrenergic Receptor

A type of G protein-coupled receptor that, when activated by adrenaline or noradrenaline, typically signals through phospholipase C to increase intracellular calcium.

Protein Kinase

An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to a protein, specifically to serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues, thereby modifying the protein's activity.