Cell Communication and Signal Transduction

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to cell communication and signal transduction based on the lecture notes.

Cell-to-cell communication

Critical for the function and survival of cells, involved in growth and development of multicellular organisms.

Direct Contact

Communication through cell junctions, allowing signaling substances to pass between adjacent cells.

Local Regulators

Chemical messages released by secreting cells that affect adjacent target cells.

Paracrine signaling

A type of local signaling where secretory cells release local regulators to nearby cells.

Synaptic signaling

Occurs in animal nervous systems when neurons secrete neurotransmitters that diffuse across the synaptic cleft.

Long distance signaling

Involves hormones traveling via the circulatory system in animals or through plant vascular tissues.

Signal transduction pathway

A sequence of changes in a series of molecules that converts an extracellular signal to an intracellular response.

Receptor

A macromolecule that binds to a signal molecule (ligand) for detecting and receiving signals.

Transduction

The conversion of an extracellular signal to an intracellular signal that leads to a cellular response.

Second messengers

Small, non-protein molecules that help relay signals and amplify responses in signal transduction.

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)

The largest category of cell surface receptors important in animal sensory systems, involved in signal transduction.

Ligand-gated ion channels

Receptors that act as gates for ions, opening or closing in response to ligand binding to initiate a cellular response.

Response

The final stage in signal transduction where the signal leads to a change in cellular activity or function.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often used to relay signals in cells.

Dephosphorylation

The removal of a phosphate group from a molecule, typically used to turn off signaling pathways.

Endocrine signaling

Type of long-distance signaling where specialized cells release hormones into the bloodstream.