Signal Reception and Transduction

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and concepts related to signal reception and transduction processes in cells.

GPCR

G protein-coupled receptor; acts as a molecular switch in signal transduction.

Alpha subunit

The part of the G protein that detaches to activate an enzyme.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK)

A receptor that transfers phosphate groups from ATP to another protein, triggering multiple pathways.

Ligand

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

Phosphorylation cascade

A series of enzymatic reactions that lead to the activation of proteins through the addition of phosphate groups.

Second messengers

Small molecules that relay signals inside the cell, often amplifying the response to a signaling molecule.

Ion Channel

A protein that creates a passageway for ions to flow through cell membranes in response to a signaling molecule.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A second messenger synthesized from ATP by adenylyl cyclase, involved in many signaling pathways.

Transcription factor

A protein that regulates the transcription of specific genes by binding to nearby DNA.

Epinephrine

A ligand that activates GPCR, leading to a cascade of cellular responses through second messengers.

Phospholipase C

An enzyme activated by GPCR that generates second messengers IP3 and DAG from PIP2.

Intracellular receptors

Receptors located within the cell that respond to hydrophobic signaling molecules that can cross the plasma membrane.

G protein

A molecular switch that transmits signals from activated receptors to downstream effectors.

Dephosphorylation

The removal of phosphate groups from proteins, often leading to their inactivation.

Signal amplification

The process by which a small number of signaling molecules can produce a large cellular response.