Signaling Pathways in Practice

These flashcards cover key concepts related to signaling pathways involving 7TM receptors, sensory perception, and the role of calcium as a second messenger.

7TM receptors

Proteins involved in sensory perception, characterized by seven transmembrane alpha helices.

Olfactory system

The sensory system responsible for the perception of smell, utilizing 7TM receptors.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A second messenger important in various signaling pathways, including odorant signaling.

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)

Receptors that interact with G proteins to transduce signals, including odorant receptors.

Odorant molecules

Small, organic, volatile molecules that are detected by the olfactory system.

G-olf

A heterotrimeric G protein specifically involved in olfactory signaling.

Depolarization

The process by which the inside of the cell becomes more positive, leading to action potentials.

Calcium as a second messenger

Calcium ions acting within cells to mediate various signaling pathways, including ABA signaling.

ABA (Abscisic Acid)

A plant hormone that signals for stomatal closure and regulates water loss.

Guard cells

Specialized cells that surround stomatal pores and regulate their opening and closing.

Phosphodiesterase

An enzyme that hydrolyzes cyclic GMP, playing a role in light perception signaling pathways.

Rhodopsin

The light-sensitive pigment in rod cells of the retina, crucial for vision.

Cyclic GMP (cGMP)

A second messenger that regulates the opening of cGMP-gated ion channels in rod cells.

Meta-rhodopsin II

The active form of rhodopsin that interacts with transducin in the photodetection pathway.

Calcium-induced calcium release

A process where an initial influx of calcium triggers further release of calcium from stores.

Turgor pressure

Pressure within cells that is important for the opening and closing of stomata in plants.

Signal transduction pathway

A series of biochemical events by which a signal is conveyed through a cell.

Neurotransmitter glutamate

A chemical messenger released by rod cells, involved in transmitting visual information.

Ion channels

Proteins that allow ions to pass through the membrane, critical in signaling pathways.

Amplification of signaling

The process by which a small initial signal results in a large cellular response.

Anion efflux channels

Channels that allow negatively charged ions to exit the cell, involved in guard cell signaling.

Stomatal closure

The process in which guard cells shrink to reduce gas exchange and water loss in plants.

Second messengers

Molecules that relay signals received by receptors to target molecules inside the cell.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate

A lipid messenger involved in calcium mobilization and signaling in mammalian cells.

Calcium influx channels

Channels in the plasma membrane that allow calcium ions to enter the cell, often activated by signaling pathways.

Cation channel

A channel that allows the passage of cations like sodium and calcium, important in depolarization.

ABA signaling network

A complex of interrelated pathways that regulate plant responses to abscisic acid.