Cell Communications

Signaling molecule

A substance that binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Biofilm

A collection of microorganisms that stick to a surface and can share nutrients.

Paracrine signaling

A form of local signaling where cells secrete signals to facilitate nearby cell communication.

Ligand

A molecule that binds specifically to a receptor.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

The largest group of membrane receptors, involved in various signaling pathways.

Transduction pathway

The chain of interactions that convert a signal to a cellular response.

Transmembrane receptor

A type of receptor that spans the membrane and interacts with external signaling molecules.

Phosphorylation cascade

A series of phosphorylation events that activate proteins and trigger a cellular response.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death process that leads to cell shrinking and packaging to avoid damaging other cells.

Second messengers

Intracellular signals that relay and amplify signals received by receptors.

Scaffolding proteins

Proteins that help organize signaling pathways by binding to different signaling molecules.