Cell Signaling and Molecular Physiology Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to cell signaling and molecular physiology, based on lecture notes.

What type of signaling molecules can readily diffuse through the cell membrane?

Small and hydrophobic signaling molecules.

What is the role of a trophic factor in cell signaling?

A trophic factor promotes cell growth and differentiation.

What do mast cells store in their secretory granules?

Histamines and other mediators.

What does lipoxygenases convert arachidonic acid into?

Leukotrienes.

What are the key characteristics of neurotransmitters?

Chemicals released from a stimulated presynaptic neuron that bind to postsynaptic target cell membranes to induce a response.

What characterizes G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)?

They are bound to a heterotrimeric G-protein complex and are involved in extensive signaling cascades.

What occurs when a ligand binds to the fibroblast growth factor receptor?

Recruits a signal transducer, triggers receptor dimerization, and initiates multiple signaling pathways.

What is the function of calcium in cell signaling?

Calcium modulates the activity of various proteins and signaling pathways.

What is the result of the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway?

Phosphorylated STAT proteins translocate into the nucleus and activate gene expression.

Which signaling pathway prevents the degradation of transcriptional activators?

Canonical Wnt signaling.

What are the similarities between Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Receptor Serine/Threonine Kinases?

Both Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Receptor Serine/Threonine Kinases are types of kinase receptors that transmit signals through phosphorylation to regulate cellular functions.

What are the differences between Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Receptor Serine/Threonine Kinases?

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases predominantly phosphorylate tyrosine residues, while Receptor Serine/Threonine Kinases specifically phosphorylate serine and threonine residues.

What is the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway?

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a critical pathway that regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration, activated by binding of Wnt proteins to their receptors.

What role does Hedgehog signaling play in development?

Hedgehog signaling is important for developmental processes and patterning in embryos; it is activated by hedgehog proteins binding to receptor Patched.

How does Notch signaling affect cell communication?

Notch signaling is a crucial pathway for direct cell-to-cell communication, influencing processes like cell fate specification and differentiation.

What is the function of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)?

G-protein coupled receptors are membrane proteins that transmit signals from outside the cell to the interior, activating G-proteins that mediate various cellular responses.

How is calcium-dependent signaling initiated?

Calcium-dependent signaling is initiated by an increase in intracellular calcium levels, affecting various cellular processes such as muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release.