Cell Communication and Cytoskeleton

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cell communication, signaling pathways, and the cytoskeleton.

Receptors

Proteins on the plasma membrane that detect signaling molecules.

Dimerization

The process of two receptor molecules coming together to form a functional complex.

Tyrosine Kinases

Enzymes that phosphorylate tyrosine residues on target proteins.

EGF

Epidermal Growth Factor, a protein that stimulates cell proliferation.

NGF

Nerve Growth Factor, a protein important for the growth and survival of neurons.

Cross Phosphorylation

The process where one receptor phosphorylates another receptor after dimerization.

Multiprotein Signaling Complexes

Assemblies of proteins that interact in signaling pathways.

Immunogenesis Experiments

Experiments used to identify proteins that bind to phosphorylated tyrosines.

RAS

A small GTPase that transmits signals from receptors to downstream effectors.

GTPase

An enzyme that hydrolyzes GTP to GDP, often involved in signaling pathways.

MAP Kinase

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, a key regulator in cell signaling.

MAPKKK

MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase, the first kinase activated in the MAPK signaling pathway.

MAPKK

MAP Kinase Kinase, the intermediate kinase in the MAPK pathway.

Proliferation

The process by which cells multiply and increase in number.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often regulating protein function.

GAP (GTPase-activating protein)

A protein that promotes the hydrolysis of GTP, regulating the activity of GTPases.

Constitutively Active

A protein that is always in an active state, regardless of external signals.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, a process important for eliminating unnecessary cells.

AKT

A kinase involved in cell survival and growth signaling.

Phospholipase C

An enzyme that generates inositol trisphosphate, involved in cell signaling.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments that helps maintain cell shape and movement.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal filaments that provide structural support and transport functions.

Actin Filaments

Thin filaments of the cytoskeleton responsible for cell shape and movement.

Intermediate Filaments

Cytoskeletal elements that provide mechanical strength to cells.

Cortex

The outer layer of a cell, where actin filaments are predominantly located.

Coiled Coil

The structural feature of intermediate filament proteins that aids in their assembly.

Nuclear Lamina

A meshwork of intermediate filaments that provides structural support to the nucleus.

Desmosomes

Cell structures that connect intermediate filaments of adjacent cells.

Hydrophobic Interactions

Forces that drive the folding of proteins away from water.

Signal Integration

The process by which cells combine multiple signaling pathways.

Protein Subunit

A single polypeptide that can join with others to form larger protein complexes.

Ligand

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

Phosphoinositides

Lipids that play a role in cell signaling pathways.

Beta-Catenin

A protein that plays key roles in cell adhesion and gene transcription.

MAPK Pathway

A signaling cascade that transmits signals from receptors to the nucleus.

Calmodulin

A calcium-binding messenger protein that interacts with various proteins.

Cell Proliferation Factors

Factors that stimulate the division and growth of cells.

BCL-2

A protein that inhibits apoptosis and promotes cell survival.

Cell Shape Maintenance

The role of the cytoskeleton in preserving the structure of a cell.

Microtubule Organizing Center

The cellular structure where microtubules are nucleated.

Regulatory Genes

Genes that control the timing and rate of cell division.

Cell Death Regulation

Mechanisms that control when a cell should undergo apoptosis.

Extracellular Matrix

A network of proteins and carbohydrates outside of cells that provide structural support.

Signal Relay

The process of transmitting a signal from one molecule to another in a signaling pathway.

GTP Bound State

The active form of GTPases, signifying they can interact with downstream effectors.

Binding Affinity

The strength of the interaction between a receptor and its ligand.

Phosphate Group

A functional group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms.

Cilia and Flagella

Cellular structures that aid in movement, composed of microtubules.

Gene Expression Regulation

Mechanisms that control the conversion of DNA to RNA and protein.

Cell Signaling Pathway

A series of molecular events and interactions that lead to a cellular response.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor

A receptor that, when activated, promotes cell growth and replication.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell.

Phenylalanine

An amino acid that cannot be phosphorylated, often used in mutation experiments.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom.

Inositol Trisphosphate

A signaling molecule that releases calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Protein Coupled Receptors

A large family of receptors that sense molecules outside the cell and activate cellular responses.

Growth Factor Receptors

Receptors that bind growth factors and promote cellular proliferation and survival.

GTPase Cycle

The cycle involving the binding and hydrolysis of GTP to regulate GTPase activity.