Cell Communication

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary terms related to cell communication, signaling types, and mechanisms described in the lecture.

Cell Signaling

The process by which cells communicate with one another to coordinate their activities.

Quorum Sensing

The ability of bacteria to detect cell density and coordinate behavior based on the concentration of signaling molecules.

Biofilm

Communities of bacteria that attach to surfaces and form protective films, requiring a certain density of cells.

Paracrine Signaling

A form of local signaling where signaling molecules are secreted by the signaling cell and act on nearby cells.

Synaptic Signaling

Signaling in the animal nervous system where electrical signals trigger the release of neurotransmitters.

Endocrine Signaling

A form of long-distance signaling where hormones are released into the bloodstream to reach target cells.

(GPCRs)

A large family of plasma membrane receptors that work with G proteins to transmit signals.

(RTKs)

Membrane receptors that attach phosphate groups to tyrosine proteins to activate multiple signaling pathways.

Ion Channel Receptors

Receptors that act as gates allowing ions to flow in and out of the cell in response to signaling molecules.

Second Messengers

Small, nonprotein molecules that diffuse through the cell and help transmit signals inside the cell.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or unneeded cells through a regulated process.

Caspases

Proteases that play essential roles in apoptotic processes by degrading cellular components.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a protein, often altering its activity and function.

Dephosphorylation

The removal of a phosphate group from a protein, leading to decreased activity.

Signal Amplification

The process by which a small signaling molecule can trigger a larger cellular response.

Signal Specificity

The ability of different cells to respond differently to the same signaling molecules, based on their specific receptors.

Local signals

: direct, paracrine, synaptic

Signal reception

receiving signals through receptors

Receptors:

GPCRs (g protein to activate one pathway), RTKs (use protein kinase to activate multiple pathways), ion channels (act as gates), intracellular (inside the nucleus or cytoplasm

Signal transduction

: relay system

Phosphorylation

• : activates the cell

Dephosphorylation

• deactivates the cell using protein phosphatases

Cell response is efficient

efficient because of scaffolding proteins