Signal-Transduction Pathways Lecture Overview

A set of flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on signal transduction pathways.

Signal Transduction

Chains of events that convert molecular messages into physiological responses.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A second messenger that carries signals within cells and is involved in many signaling pathways.

Primary Messenger

The initial signaling molecule that binds to a receptor and initiates a signaling pathway.

Second Messengers

Intracellular signaling molecules released by the cell to trigger physiological responses.

Epinephrine

A hormone also known as adrenaline that triggers the fight-or-flight response.

7TM Receptors

Type of receptors that span the cell membrane seven times and include G-Prog. Coupled Receptors.

Adenylate Cyclase

An enzyme that converts ATP into cAMP when activated.

Calcium Ion (Ca2+)

A second messenger essential for various signaling pathways, influencing many cellular processes.

Phospholipase C

An enzyme that catalyzes the cleavage of PIP2 into IP3 and DAG as part of signaling pathways.

Calmodulin

A protein that binds calcium ions and is involved in many cellular signaling processes.

Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)

A lipid kinase that phosphorylates PIP2 to form PIP3, playing a vital role in signaling pathways.

Insulin Receptor

A protein kinase that becomes activated upon binding insulin, initiating a signaling cascade.

Protein Kinase

Enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups to specific substrates, modifying their activity.

GTP Hydrolysis

A reaction that resets G proteins by converting bound GTP to GDP, terminating the signaling event.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Laboratory-produced molecules engineered to target specific proteins, used in cancer therapies.

Phosphatases

Enzymes that remove phosphate groups from proteins, thus reversing the action of kinases.

G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

A large family of receptors that signal through G proteins following the binding of ligands.