Cell-Cell Interactions and Signaling

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to cell-cell interactions and mechanisms of signaling as outlined in the lecture notes.

Cell-Cell Communication

Allows cells to coordinate activities and function as a unified organism.

Paracrine Signaling

Short-lived signals affecting nearby cells.

Endocrine Signaling

Long-lived signals with hormones traveling throughout the body.

Synaptic Signaling

Communication via neurotransmitters in the nervous system.

Gap Junctions

Protein channels that allow direct communication between adjacent cells.

Tight Junctions

Connections that prevent leakage of fluids between cells.

Desmosomes

Anchoring junctions that connect adjacent cells.

Intracellular Receptors

Receptors that require communicating molecules to enter the cell.

Cell Surface Receptors

Receptors on the cell membrane that bind signaling molecules without entering the cell.

G Protein-Linked Receptors

Receptors that activate a G protein upon binding a signaling molecule.

Second Messengers

Molecules that relay intracellular messages and amplify signals.

Signal Transduction Pathway

The process by which a signal on a cell's surface is converted to a specific cellular response.

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Channels that open or close in response to a signaling molecule.

Enzymatic Receptors

Membrane proteins activated by the binding of signaling molecules, altering their 3-D shape.

MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex)

Complex that distinguishes between self and non-self cells.