Cell Communication

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to cell communication and signaling mechanisms, aimed at helping students prepare for their exam.

Cell Communication

The process by which cells signal to each other and interpret signals from other cells and environments.

Signaling Molecules

Chemicals that facilitate communication between cells.

Local Signaling

Communication between nearby cells using signaling molecules.

Paracrine Signaling

A form of local signaling where a cell secretes a signal that affects nearby target cells.

Synaptic Signaling

Local signaling in the nervous system where neurotransmitters are released to stimulate target cells.

Long-Distance Signaling

Communication between cells that are far apart, typically involving hormones.

Endocrine Signaling

Hormonal signaling in animals where hormones travel through the circulatory system.

Receptor

A protein that binds to signaling molecules, initiating a cellular response.

Signal Transduction Pathway

A series of molecular events and reactions that lead to a cellular response after a signal is received.

Epinephrine

A hormone that triggers the fight-or-flight response.

G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

The largest family of cell-surface receptors that help transmit signals inside the cell.

Ligand

A signaling molecule that binds specifically to a receptor.

Protein Kinases

Enzymes that transfer phosphate groups from ATP to proteins, thus altering their function.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often used to activate or deactivate proteins.

Second Messenger

Small, nonprotein molecules that relay signals received by receptors to target molecules within the cell.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A common second messenger involved in signaling pathways.

Calcium Ions (Ca2+)

Act as a second messenger in many signaling pathways and can trigger cellular responses.

Signal Amplification

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

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

Receptor proteins that allow ions to pass through the membrane in response to binding a ligand.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs)

Membrane receptors that, when activated, can trigger multiple signal transduction pathways.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that is regulated by complex signaling pathways.

Transcription Factor

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate gene transcription.

GTP

Guanosine triphosphate, an energy-rich molecule involved in signaling pathways.

Caspases

Proteases that play essential roles in programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Inositol Triphosphate (IP3)

A second messenger that triggers the release of calcium ions from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Phospholipase C

An enzyme involved in the production of IP3 and diacylglycerol from phosphatidylinositol.

Diacylglycerol (DAG)

A second messenger that remains in the plasma membrane and helps activate protein kinase C.

SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION

The conversion of a signal from one form to another within a cell.

Scaffolding Proteins

Large proteins that group together and increase the efficiency of signal transduction.

Signal Termination

The process of ceasing a signal and resetting pathways for future signaling.

Cell Junctions

Structures that connect adjacent cells, facilitating communication.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals released by nerve cells to communicate across synapses.

Growth Factors

Signaling molecules that stimulate nearby target cells to grow or divide.

Cyclic AMP Pathway

A signaling pathway that involves the conversion of ATP to cAMP in response to extracellular signals.

Hydrophobic Messengers

Small chemical messengers that can cross cell membranes easily, such as steroid hormones.

Nuclear Response

The outcome of signaling that results in changes to gene expression in the nucleus.

Cytoplasmic Response

The outcome of signaling that directly alters the function of proteins outside the nucleus.

Signal Specificity

The ability of different cells to respond to the same signaling molecule in unique ways.

Blebbing

The process by which a dying cell forms bulges as part of apoptosis.

Feedback Mechanism

A process where the output of a system regulates its own production or activity.

Threshold Effect

A point at which a signal reaches a level where a cellular response is triggered.

Quick Activation

The rapid response of cells to signaling events, often critical for survival.

Cross-Talk

Interactions between different signaling pathways that can alter cellular responses.

Resistance Mechanisms

Ways in which cells adapt or become resistant to prolonged or excessive signals.

Common Pathways

Sets of signal transduction pathways that are conserved across different species.

Signal Output

The final result of a signaling pathway, which can alter cell behavior.

Receptor Internalization

The process by which receptors are brought into the cell after ligand binding.

G protein Activation

The process by which a G protein becomes active after binding GTP.

Pathway Integration

The ability to combine different signals into a coordinated cellular response.

Programmed Cell Death

A controlled process by which cells actively disassemble themselves.

Transcription Activation

The process by which a transcription factor increases the likelihood of transcription of a particular gene.

Cell Differentiation

The process through which cells develop into distinct cell types.