Cell Signaling Flashcards

Ligand

A molecule that binds to another molecule, resulting in the formation of a complex that can deliver a signal.

Intercellular Signaling

Communication between cells.

Receptor

Proteins on target cells that bind to ligands.

Target Cells

Cells that are affected by chemical signals.

Paracrine Signaling

A type of signaling where a cell targets nearby cells.

Endocrine Signaling

A type of signaling where a cell targets distant cells through the bloodstream.

Autocrine Signaling

A type of signaling where a cell targets itself.

Direct Signaling Across Gap Junctions

Signaling between cells connected by gap junctions allowing small signaling molecules to diffuse.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical signals released across synapses between nerve cells.

Signal Transduction

The process by which an extracellular signal is converted to an intracellular signal.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, activating enzymes and signaling pathways.

Feedback Loop

A process in biological systems where the output of a system regulates its activity.

Negative Feedback Loop

A change in a given direction causes a change in the opposite direction to maintain stability.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process where a change in a variable leads to an even greater change in the same direction.

Hydrophobic Ligands

Ligands that can freely travel across the cell membrane and interact with internal receptors.

Transmembrane Receptors

Cell surface receptors that span the plasma membrane and convert extracellular signals into intracellular responses.

Secondary Messengers

Small molecules that propagate a signal after its initiation and spread it through the cytoplasm.

Dimer

A chemical compound formed when two molecules join together.

What is Paracrine Signaling?

A type of signaling where a cell targets nearby cells.

What is Endocrine Signaling?

A type of signaling where a cell targets distant cells through the bloodstream.

What is Autocrine Signaling?

A type of signaling where a cell targets itself.

What is Direct Signaling Across Gap Junctions?

Signaling between cells connected by gap junctions allowing small signaling molecules to diffuse.

What are Neurotransmitters?

Chemical signals released across synapses between nerve cells.

What is the role of Ligands in cell signaling?

Ligands bind to receptors on target cells, initiating a signaling response.

What are Target Cells?

Cells that are affected by chemical signals.

How do Receptors function in signaling?

Receptors on target cells specifically bind to ligands to trigger a response.

What is Signal Transduction?

The process by which an extracellular signal is converted to an intracellular signal.

What is the significance of Secondary Messengers?

Secondary messengers propagate a signal after its initiation and spread it through the cytoplasm.