Lecture 10 - Biochemical Signalling

What are the steps involved in signal transduction cascades?

1. Signal release, 2. Reception, 3. Transduction, 4. Response, 5. Switching off.

What is the role of hormones in cellular signaling?

Hormones are signaling molecules that bind to specific receptors and regulate various physiological processes.

Define Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs).

RTKs are a class of receptors that, upon binding a ligand, dimerize and activate tyrosine kinase activity to convey signals into the cell.

How do kinases and phosphatases function in signaling?

Kinases add phosphate groups to proteins to activate them, while phosphatases remove phosphate groups to inactivate them.

What is the function of epinephrine in the body?

Epinephrine prepares the body for action by increasing energy release and managing physiological responses during stress.

What are G-protein linked receptors?

G-protein linked receptors are a class of receptors that interact with G-proteins to transduce signals from ligands.

How do the endocrine hormones regulate fuel metabolism?

Endocrine hormones such as insulin and glucagon maintain blood glucose levels and metabolic homeostasis.

What occurs during the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor?

The epidermal growth factor receptor dimerizes and its kinase domain undergoes autophosphorylation upon ligand binding.

What is the significance of the insulin receptor being a constitutive dimer?

The insulin receptor's constitutive dimerization allows it to have a constant readiness to signal in response to insulin.

What is the role of adapter proteins in receptor signaling?

Adapter proteins containing SH2 and SH3 domains link RTKs with other signaling proteins to amplify the signal.