Cell Communication and Apoptosis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cell communication, signal transduction, and apoptosis as discussed in the lecture.

Epinephrine

A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that triggers the fight or flight response.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, a process where cells self-destruct in response to specific signals.

Signal transduction

The process of converting a signal from outside the cell to a functional change inside the cell.

G protein coupled receptor (GPCR)

A type of membrane receptor that activates a G protein when a ligand binds to it.

First messenger

A signaling molecule that binds to a receptor on the surface of a target cell, initiating a response.

Second messenger

A molecule that relays signals received at cell surface receptors to target molecules inside the cell.

Transduction

The conversion of one form of signal or stimulus into another, particularly in cellular communication.

Ligand

A molecule that binds specifically to a receptor.

Reception

The initial stage in cell signaling, where a receptor on the cell membrane detects a signaling molecule.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A second messenger involved in signaling pathways, derived from ATP, that mediates various cellular processes.

Amplification

The process by which a small signal is amplified to produce a much larger response within a cell.

Kinase

An enzyme that adds phosphate groups to other molecules, often to activate or deactivate them.

CED genes

Genes involved in the apoptotic process; specifically, CED-9 inhibits apoptosis, while CED-3 and CED-4 promote it.

Multicellular communication

The interaction between cells in a multicellular organism to coordinate actions and functions.

Transport proteins

Proteins that help move substances across cell membranes, including receptors that bind signaling molecules.

Cell surface receptors

Proteins located on the cell membrane that bind external signals, initiating signal transduction inside the cell.

Response

The final stage of cellular communication where the cell reacts to a signal through specific actions or changes.