Cell Communication Study Cards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to cell communication, signaling pathways, and their mechanisms, intended to facilitate learning and retention.

Ligand

A molecule that binds to another specific molecule, often a receptor.

Receptor

A protein that receives and interprets signals from ligands.

Target Cell

A cell that has receptors for a specific signaling molecule and can respond to it.

Juxtacrine Signaling

A form of local signaling where cells communicate through direct contact.

Paracrine Signaling

A type of signaling where cells communicate with nearby target cells through signaling molecules.

Synaptic Signaling

A local signaling method where neurotransmitters transmit signals across a synapse.

Autocrine Signaling

A signaling process where a cell targets itself by releasing a ligand that binds to its own receptors.

Endocrine Signaling

A long-distance signaling method using hormones that travel through the bloodstream.

Signal Reception

The initial stage of the signaling process, where a signaling molecule binds to a receptor.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a signal is converted to a chemical change in a target cell.

Cellular Response

The final stage of signaling where a target cell responds to the signal.

GPCR

G-protein coupled receptor, a type of cell-surface receptor that activates signal transduction pathways.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases

Protein receptors that transfer phosphate groups from ATP to tyrosine residues in proteins.

Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

Receptors that open or close in response to the binding of a ligand, allowing ions to pass through.

Intracellular Receptors

Receptors located inside the cell that respond to signaling molecules that pass through the membrane.

Phosphorylation Cascade

A series of chemical reactions where one protein kinase activates another, ultimately leading to a cellular response.

Second Messengers

Small molecules that relay signals within the cell after the activation of receptors.

cAMP

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a second messenger that activates signaling pathways.

Calcium Ions (Ca2+)

An important second messenger involved in various signaling pathways.

Caspases

Proteases needed for the initiation and execution of apoptosis.

Juxtacrine

Local signaling where adjacent cells communicate through direct contact.

Paracrine

Signaling where a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells.

Endocrine

Long-distance signaling involving hormonal communication through the bloodstream.

Apoptosis

The programmed process of cell death important for development and homeostasis.

Signal Amplification

The process where a small number of signaling molecules can produce a large cellular response.

Transcription Factor

A protein that regulates the transcription of specific genes by binding to nearby DNA.

Dimerization

The process of two receptor proteins coming together upon ligand binding.

Scaffolding Proteins

Proteins that enhance the efficiency of signal transduction by organizing various signaling molecules.

Specificity of Cell Signaling

The ability of cell signaling processes to be specific to certain types of cells or signals.

Termination of Signal

The process of deactivating a signal pathway to prevent overstimulation.

Protein Kinases

Enzymes that modify other proteins by chemically adding phosphate groups.

Protein Phosphatases

Enzymes that remove phosphate groups from proteins, reversing the action of kinases.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in the storage and release of calcium during signaling.

Cytoplasm

The fluid inside the cell where signal transduction occurs.

Plasma Membrane

The lipid bilayer that forms the outer boundary of a cell, containing receptors.

Nucleus

The organelle that houses the cell's DNA and is involved in the regulation of gene expression.

ATP

A molecule that provides energy for cellular processes, including phosphorylation.

GTP

A molecule similar to ATP, used in signaling pathways to activate G-proteins.

Reversibility of Signaling

The ability of signaling molecules to stop their action by returning to their inactive form.

Catecholamines

A class of neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, that act as signaling molecules.

Phospholipase C

An enzyme that cleaves phospholipids in the plasma membrane to generate second messengers.

DAG

Diacylglycerol, a second messenger involved in amplifying signals in certain pathways.

PIP2

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, a membrane phospholipid that can be cleaved to form DAG and IP3.

IP3

Inositol trisphosphate, a second messenger that promotes the release of calcium from the ER.

Cell Connectivity

The interaction and communication between cells through signaling pathways.

Cell Signaling Pathway

A series of chemical reactions that allow cells to communicate and respond to changes.

Epinephrine

A signaling molecule also known as adrenaline involved in the fight or flight response.

Signal Integration

The ability of a cell to process multiple signaling cues and produce a coherent response.

Cellular Homeostasis

The regulation of internal conditions in a cell to maintain stable and balanced operations.