Principles of Cell Signalling

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell signalling, including types of signalling, receptor interactions, and mechanisms involved in the signalling process.

Cell Signalling

Communication between cells and interaction with their environment, primarily mediated by chemical signals.

Receptor-Ligand Interaction

The binding of a signaling molecule (ligand) to a receptor, triggering a physiological response in the cell.

Paracrine Signalling

Type of signalling where a cell secretes a signal that affects nearby cells expressing the receptor.

Autocrine Signalling

Type of signalling in which a cell secretes a signal that binds to receptors on itself.

Endocrine Signalling

Signalling process where a cell releases hormones into the blood, affecting distant cells.

Desensitisation

The process by which receptor activation leads to reduced sensitivity of the receptor.

Sequestration

The internalization of receptors from the cell surface, reducing their availability for binding.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cellular signal is translated into a functional response within the cell.

Second Messengers

Intracellular signaling molecules that mediate the effects of hormones or other signaling agents.

G protein-coupled Receptors (GPCR)

A large family of receptors that mediate various signal transduction pathways through G proteins.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often regulating protein function and signaling cascades.

Kinases

Enzymes that phosphorylate other proteins, playing a key role in signal transduction.

Specificity and Affinity

Specificity refers to the precise interaction between ligand and receptor, while affinity describes the strength of that interaction.

GTPase

A family of proteins that hydrolyze GTP and function as molecular switches in signal transduction pathways.