Cell Communication Notes Review

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to cell communication and signaling pathways.

Chemical signaling

The process through which cells communicate using signaling molecules over a distance.

Direct contact

Cell communication method where signaling molecules move between cells through cell junctions.

Ligand

A signaling molecule that binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals released from neurons that transmit signals to adjacent neurons.

Short distance signaling

A method of cell signaling where ligands diffuse across space to adjacent cells.

Hormones

Long-distance signaling molecules released into the bloodstream that activate responses in target cells.

Signal Transduction

The process of linking signals to cellular responses, consisting of three main steps: Reception, Transduction, and Response.

Reception

The first step of signal transduction where a ligand binds to a receptor protein.

Transduction

The second step of signal transduction involving receptor shape change and the signaling cascade.

Second messengers

Molecules that relay and amplify the signal inside the cell during transduction; example includes cyclic AMP (cAMP).

Cellular Response

The final action taken by the cell as a result of the signaling process, such as cell growth or molecule secretion.

Ligand-gated ion channels

Receptors that open in response to ligand binding, allowing ions to diffuse down their gradient.

Acetylcholine receptor

A ligand-gated channel on muscle cell membranes that facilitates Na+ transport and initiates muscle contraction.

Environmental change impact

Alterations in cellular responses caused by external factors, like metabolic rate adjustments in response to temperature.

Her2 receptor mutation

A genetic alteration causing the receptor to be constitutively active, leading to uncontrolled cell division and cancer.

Beta-blockers

Pharmaceutical drugs that inhibit pathways by binding to receptors and preventing ligand activity.