Cell Communication and Signaling Pathways Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cell communication, extracellular materials, signal transduction pathways, and the roles of different types of receptors.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The network of proteins and polysaccharides secreted by cells, providing structural and biochemical support.

Plasmodesmata

Channels that connect plant cells, allowing for communication and transport of materials.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs)

A class of enzyme-linked receptors that catalyze phosphorylation of tyrosine residues.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events.

G-Protein Coupled Receptors

A large family of membrane receptors that work with the help of G proteins to transduce signals.

Second Messengers

Small molecules that rapidly diffuse within the cell to propagate a signal after receptor activation.

Phosphorylation Cascade

A series of enzyme-catalyzed phosphorylation reactions, leading to a cellular response.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that are secreted from cells and can affect target cells far away.

Lipid-Soluble Signaling Molecules

Molecules such as steroid hormones that can diffuse across the plasma membrane to bind to intracellular receptors.

Signal Reception

The initial stage of cell signaling where a signaling molecule binds to its receptor.

Cell-Cell Connections

Structures that include tight junctions, desmosomes, and gap junctions, facilitating communication between cells.

Calmodulin

A calcium-binding messenger protein that mediates cellular responses to calcium ions.

Signal Deactivation

The process by which a cell turns off a signaling pathway, often involving phosphatases.

tight junctions

connections between adjacent cells that prevent the leakage of materials and maintain selective permeability.

gap junctions

intercellular connections that directly allow molecules and ions to pass directly between adjacent cells, facilitating communication. Communication is main difference between gap vs tight