Receptors, Neurons, Synapses & Nervous Systems

Vocabulary flashcards related to cell signaling and receptor mechanisms in the nervous system.

Cell Communication

The process by which cells interact and share information through signaling molecules.

Reception

The first stage of cell signaling where a signaling molecule binds to a receptor.

Transduction

The second stage of cell signaling, involving a series of molecular interactions that relay signals from receptors to target molecules.

Response

The final stage of cell signaling, resulting in a cellular response such as transcription regulation or changes in cytoplasmic activity.

Ion Channel Linked Receptors

Receptors that function as channels allowing ions to enter or exit the cell, involved in very fast signaling.

G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

A large family of receptors that activate intracellular signal transduction pathways in response to various stimuli.

Tyrosine Kinase Linked Receptors

Receptors that mediate cellular responses by phosphorylating tyrosine residues in target proteins.

Hormones

Signaling molecules secreted by endocrine cells that travel through the bloodstream to exert effects on target cells.

Signal Amplification

The process whereby a small number of signaling molecules elicit a larger cellular response.

Paracrine Signaling

Local signaling where a signaling cell acts on nearby target cells by secreting molecules.

Endocrine Signaling

Long-distance signaling where hormones are released into the bloodstream to reach target cells.

Phosphorylation Cascades

Sequential activation of proteins by the addition of phosphate groups, often mediated by kinases.

Ligand

A molecule that binds to a receptor to trigger a cell signaling event.

Insulin Receptors

Receptors that bind insulin, leading to metabolic changes and regulation of glucose transport.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses to target cells.

Steroid Receptors

Intracellular receptors that bind to steroid hormones and mediate gene expression.

Glucose Transporters (GLUT4)

Proteins that facilitate the transport of glucose into cells in response to insulin.

Second Messengers

Small molecules that propagate signals within cells after receptor activation.

Adenylyl Cyclase

An enzyme activated by GPCRs that converts ATP to cyclic AMP, a second messenger.