cell communication

Action Potential

A quick electrical change in a nerve cell that travels along the cell membrane when a stimulus triggers the cell.

Circadian Rhythm

The natural cycle of about 24 hours that controls sleep and wakefulness in most organisms, even without sunlight.

Cytokinin

A plant hormone that helps with cell growth and prevents premature aging in plants.

Ethylene

A gas hormone in plants that aids in fruit ripening and leaf abscission.

G protein-coupled receptor

A protein on a cell's surface that activates a G protein to send signals inside the cell when bound by a signaling molecule.

Gibberellin

A plant hormone that promotes growth, assists in seed germination, and aids in flower development.

Heat-shock protein

Proteins that protect other proteins during heat stress in cells.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter used in the brain and nervous system to send signals between nerve cells.

Auxin

A plant hormone that promotes cell elongation and directs plant growth towards light.

Biofilm

A group of microorganisms that communicate and function together, often forming a sticky layer.

Intracellular Receptor

A receptor located inside a cell that binds signaling molecules to induce changes within the cell.

Ligand

A molecule that binds to a receptor and triggers a biological response.

Luciferase

An enzyme that produces light in organisms such as fireflies.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerve cells.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often to activate or modify its function.

Photoperiodism

A plant's response to the duration of light and darkness, influencing growth and flowering time.

Protein Kinase

An enzyme that adds a phosphate group to a protein, altering its function.

Protein Phosphatase

An enzyme that removes phosphate groups from proteins to regulate their activity.

Quorum Sensing

The mechanism that allows bacteria to communicate and coordinate behavior based on their population density.

Salicylic Acid

A plant hormone that aids in disease defense and is an active ingredient in aspirin.

Scaffolding Protein

A large protein that organizes and links other proteins to enhance cellular signaling.

Second Messenger

A small molecule, like calcium or cAMP, that transmits signals from receptors to target molecules inside the cell.

Senescence

The process of aging in cells and organisms.

Signal Transduction Pathway

The sequence of processes that convert an external signal into a cellular response.

Statolith

A particle in plants that helps sense gravity for directional growth.