BIOL230W, Week 7 Signaling Pathways

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary related to signaling pathways and protein interactions relevant to the BIOL230W course content.

Signal

A chemical molecule that acts as a ligand in a signaling pathway.

Receptor

An integral membrane protein that senses signals and undergoes a conformation change.

Conformation Change

A physical alteration in the structure of a protein that often results in a change in its function.

GPCR (G-protein Coupled Receptor)

A receptor type that has seven transmembrane regions and couples with G-proteins to transmit signals.

Second Messengers

Small molecules that relay signals received at receptors to target molecules in the cell.

RTK (Receptor Tyrosine Kinase)

A type of receptor that dimerizes upon ligand binding and autophosphorylates, activating its kinase domain.

Transduction

The process of relaying a signal from the receptor to the final effector within the cell.

Final Effector

The last protein altered in a signaling pathway, which can affect gene expression or physiological responses.

Ligand-Receptor Complex

The binding interaction between a ligand and its receptor that induces a conformational change.

Peptide Motif

A specific sequence of amino acids that is important for protein function and interaction.