Cell Communication

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to cell communication, as outlined in the provided lecture notes.

Epinephrine

A signaling molecule also known as adrenaline, involved in the fight-or-flight response.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

The largest family of cell-surface receptors that work with G proteins to transmit signals into cells.

Transduction

The process by which a receptor initiates a signal transduction pathway after detecting a signaling molecule.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs)

Membrane receptors that attach phosphates to tyrosines and can trigger multiple signal transduction pathways.

Ligand

A signaling molecule that binds specifically to a receptor.

Second messenger

Small, nonprotein molecules or ions that freely diffuse within the cell and amplify signals.

Signal amplification

The process by which an enzyme cascade increases the response to a signaling molecule.

Calcium ions (Ca2+)

An important second messenger involved in various signaling pathways.

Phospholipase C

An enzyme that plays a role in transducing signals and produces second messengers.

Endocrine signaling

Long-distance signaling in animals, involving the use of hormones through the circulatory system.

Local signaling

Communication between adjacent cells through direct contact or passing signaling molecules.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A common second messenger involved in signal transduction pathways.

Amplification of the signal

An aspect of regulation in which the initial signal effect is increased through multiple active processes.

DAG (Diacylglycerol)

A second messenger that works alongside IP3 in triggering cellular responses.

Transmembrane proteins

Proteins that span the plasma membrane and participate in transmembrane signaling.

Signal transduction pathway

A series of molecular events and reactions leading to a cellular response following receptor activation.

Termination of the signal

The mechanisms that ensure signaling ceases when the ligand concentration falls or is no longer present.

Scaffolding proteins

Proteins that enhance response efficiency by linking components in a signaling pathway.

Cell junctions

Structures that enable local signaling by directly passing signaling molecules between adjacent cells.