Cell Communication

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to cell communication and signaling pathways.

Cell Communication

The process by which cells can signal to each other and interpret signals from their environment.

Signaling Molecules

Chemicals that cells use to communicate with each other, often most commonly found in local and long-distance signaling.

Paracrine Signaling

A type of local signaling where cells secrete molecules that affect nearby target cells.

Synaptic Signaling

Local signaling occurring in the nervous system, where a neurotransmitter is released from a nerve cell.

Endocrine Signaling

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

Receptor

A protein on a cell that binds to signaling molecules, confirming that the cell is able to respond to a signal.

Signal Transduction Pathway

A series of molecular events and interactions that relay signals from receptors to target molecules within the cell.

G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

The largest family of cell-surface receptors that interact with G proteins.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs)

Membrane receptors that attach phosphates to tyrosines and can trigger multiple signal transduction pathways.

Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Receptors that open or close in response to the binding of signaling molecules, allowing ions to flow into or out of the cell.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

A common second messenger in signaling pathways that mediates various cellular responses.

Calcium Ions (Ca2+)

Act as second messengers in various signaling pathways, affecting cellular processes.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that is often triggered by signaling pathways, preventing damage to neighboring cells.

Phosphorylation Cascade

A series of signaling events where one protein kinase activates another and so on, amplifying the signal.

Scaffolding Proteins

Large relay proteins that increase signaling efficiency by grouping together proteins involved in the same signaling pathway.