Cell Communication & Receptor Families

Flashcards covering cell communication, receptor families, and cell signalling.

Synaptic signalling

The main method of communication between neurons, used to generate thoughts and memories.

Endocrine signalling

A signalling molecule released from a cell into the blood stream to initiate a response in a target cell.

Reception

The first stage of cell signalling where a signalling molecule binds to a specific receptor.

Transduction

The second stage of cell signalling where a signalling pathway is initiated in the cytoplasm.

Response

The third stage of cell signalling where a cellular response is activated, such as activating an enzyme.

Receptors

Proteins that bind and respond to a chemical to elicit a response in a cell.

Chemical

Also known as signalling molecule or agonist, such as hormone or neurotransmitter

Ligand gated ion channels

Ion channels in the membrane that are opened by the binding of a ligand, triggering IPSPs and EPSPs.

G protein coupled receptors

A large family of receptors involved in synaptic transmission and other cell signalling, targeted by >50% of current drugs.

Kinases

Enzymes that add phosphate groups to other proteins.

Phosphatases

Enzymes that remove phosphate groups from other proteins.

Tyrosine kinase receptors

Membrane receptors that respond to hormones and are important for slower processes such as metabolism and growth.

Steroid receptors

Intracellular receptors that respond to lipophilic hormones, triggering gene transcription.

Phosphorylation cascade

A sequence of biochemical reactions where phosphorylation of a kinase enzyme leads to its activation.