Unit 4 Cell Communication

What is the purpose of cell communication?

Cells must detect and respond to signals in their environment to maintain homeostasis.

Autocrine Signaling

Cell targets itself (e.g., cancer cells releasing signals to stimulate their own growth).

Paracrine Signaling

Local signaling to nearby cells (e.g., neurotransmitters between neurons).

Juxtacrine Signaling

Direct contact (e.g., immune cell-antigen-presenting cell interaction).