Chapter 14 - Cell Junctions and Signal Transduction

ligand

a signal molecule that is either a lipid or protein

signal transduction

used for long distance communication

plasmodesmata

acts as a passageway through cell walls to connect cells, the cytoplasm is united and materials are shared, only in plant cells

gap junctions

channels that align so that cells can quickly communicate with each other

septate (tight) junction

seal gaps between cells

cadherin

interlock with each other by extending outwards

adherent junctions (desmosomes)

acts like velcro to connect cells

desmotubule

an ER connection caused by the plasmodesmata

G proteins

internal peripheral membrane proteins that bind to GTP

crosstalk

when pathways intersect, leading to modified responses