Cell Communication and the Cell Cycle

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell communication, signaling types, and processes crucial for understanding the cellular interactions necessary for maintaining homeostasis.

Homeostasis

The process by which cells and organisms maintain a stable internal environment.

Ligand

A signal released by one cell to stimulate another; can be ions, small chemicals, or proteins.

Autocrine signaling

A type of cellular communication where a cell signals to itself.

Juxtacrine signaling

A type of signaling between cells that are in direct contact.

Paracrine signaling

A type of signaling where a cell communicates with nearby cells.

Endocrine signaling

A form of communication where signals travel long distances within the body.

Signal Transduction Pathway

A series of reactions inside a cell that occur after a ligand binds to its receptor, leading to a cellular response.

Target cell

The cell that receives the signal during cellular communication.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical signals that communicate over short distances between neurons or between a neuron and another cell.

B-cell activation

A process triggered by the binding of specific antigens to B-cell receptors, leading to immune response.