Cell Communication

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cell communication and signaling mechanisms in multicellular organisms.

Cell Communication

The process by which cells can communicate with each other, essential for multicellular organisms.

Epinephrine

A hormone that acts as a signaling molecule in cellular communication.

Gap junctions

Channels that allow direct communication between adjacent animal cells.

Plasmodesmata

Channels that allow communication between adjacent plant cells.

Paracrine signaling

A form of local signaling where a secreting cell acts on nearby target cells.

Synaptic signaling

A form of local signaling where a nerve cell releases neurotransmitters to stimulate a target cell.

Hormonal signaling

A type of long-distance signaling where hormones are released into the bloodstream to target cells.

Reception

The first stage of cell signaling where target cells detect a signal molecule.

Transduction

The process by which a signal molecule binds to a receptor and initiates a cellular response.

Response

The final stage of cell signaling where the transduced signal triggers a cellular response.

G-Protein

A trimeric protein that acts as a molecular switch in signaling pathways.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A small molecule that acts as a second messenger in cell signaling pathways.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

A type of membrane receptor that, upon binding to a signal molecule, dimerizes and activates protein kinases.

Calcium ions as second messengers

Molecules that act as second messengers in various signaling pathways, important for cellular responses.

Phosphorylation cascade

A series of biochemical reactions used in cell signaling, often involving the activation of protein kinases.

Ion channel receptors

A type of receptor that opens in response to the binding of a signaling molecule, allowing ions to flow across the membrane.