Cell Communication Mini-Test Review

Flashcards for key concepts in cell communication, including junction types, signaling modes, and hormonal responses.

Open Junctions

Plasmodesmata (in plants) and Gap Junctions that allow for communication between cells.

Closed Junctions

Tight Junctions and Desmosomes that do not allow for communication, but provide structural integrity.

Juxtacrine Signaling

A mode of cell communication that involves direct contact between cells.

Paracrine Signaling

Local signaling where cells communicate over short distances to induce a response in nearby cells.

Endocrine Signaling

Long-distance signaling through hormones that travel through the bloodstream to target distant cells.

Quorum Sensing

A process that allows bacteria to communicate and coordinate behavior based on cell density.

Stages of Cell Signaling

The three stages are Reception, Transduction, and Response.

Water-Soluble Messenger

A type of messenger that requires a receptor on the cell membrane due to its polarity.

Lipid-Soluble Messenger

A type of messenger that can pass through the cell membrane and bind to internal receptors.

G Protein Receptor

A receptor that is activated by a signal and can trigger various cellular responses, including 'fight or flight' response.

Secondary Messengers

Molecules like cAMP and Ca2+ that relay signals inside cells after the primary messenger has bound to its receptor.

Phosphorylation Cascade

A series of enzymatic reactions where kinases add phosphate groups to proteins, amplifying the signal.

Antagonistic Hormones

Two hormones that have opposing effects on the same physiological process.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process that enhances or amplifies changes; it moves a system away from its equilibrium state.

Negative Feedback Loop

A process that reduces the output or activity of a system to maintain stability.