Cell Communication and Signaling

30 vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to cell communication and signaling based on the provided lecture notes.

Catabolic pathways

Processes that break down molecules to produce energy.

Anabolic pathways

Processes that build molecules and require energy.

Exergonic reactions

Reactions that release energy.

Endergonic reactions

Reactions that require energy input.

Reaction coupling

The pairing of an exergonic reaction with an endergonic reaction to drive metabolic processes.

Free energy change (∆G)

The difference in free energy between products and reactants of a reaction.

Epinephrine

A hormone that stimulates glycogen breakdown in muscle cells.

Signal transduction pathway

The process by which an extracellular signal is converted into a cellular response.

Receptors

Proteins that bind signaling molecules and initiate cellular responses.

Ligand-gated ion channels

Receptors that open in response to binding a signaling molecule.

G protein-linked receptors

Transmembrane proteins that activate G proteins upon ligand binding.

Protein kinase

An enzyme that phosphorylates other proteins, typically using ATP.

Signal molecule

A chemical that transmits information across cells.

Internal receptors

Receptors that can bind signaling molecules that pass through the cell membrane.

Tyrosine kinase receptors

Receptors with intrinsic enzymatic activity that catalyze phosphorylation.

Dimerization

The process of two receptor subunits coming together upon binding a signal.

Quorum sensing

A process by which bacteria communicate using chemical signals to coordinate behavior.

Local communication

Cell signaling that occurs between adjacent cells.

Long distance communication

Cell signaling that occurs over greater distances, often through hormones.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical signals released by neurons to communicate with other cells.

Cytoplasmic response

Cellular responses triggered by signals that bind to internal receptors.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often activating it.

GTPase

An enzyme that hydrolyzes GTP, often involved in signaling pathways.

Intracellular communication

Communication within a cell's interior, often via intracellular signaling.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid outside of cells in which signaling molecules are released.

Hormonal signaling

Long-range communication through the bloodstream involving hormones.

Signal-binding site

The specific area on a receptor where a signaling molecule binds.

Physiological response

The biological reaction of a cell to a signaling event.

Cell surface molecules

Proteins on the cell membrane involved in cell recognition and signaling.

Chemical sensor

Molecules released by bacteria to detect population density.

Cell-cell recognition

The ability of cells to identify and interact with each other.

G protein activation

The process by which a G protein becomes active upon binding GTP.

Signal dissociation

The process by which a signaling molecule detaches from its receptor.