Cell Signaling Dynamics Flashcards

Flashcards that cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the lecture notes on Cell Signaling Dynamics.

Intercellular signaling

Communication between cells where one cell sends a signal and another receives it.

Intracellular signaling

Communication within a single cell, like a neuron's electrical signal.

Ligand

A signaling molecule, like a hormone.

Target cell

Cell that receives a signal, with receptors for that signal.

Receptors

Proteins on a cell that bind signals and start a response.

Autocrine

Cell signaling to itself.

Gap Junctions

Direct channels connecting cells, allowing signals to pass directly.

Paracrine

Signaling to nearby cells.

Endocrine

Long-distance signaling via hormones in the bloodstream.

Hydrophobic hormones

Hormones that can go directly into cells.

Hydrophilic hormones

Hormones that need to bind to receptors on the cell surface.

Second messengers

Molecules that spread a signal inside a cell after a receptor is activated.