Cell Communication and Signal Transduction

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the principles of cell communication, types of signaling, receptor mechanisms, pharmacodynamics (Kd and EC50), second messengers, and signal specificity based on lecture notes.

Signal Transduction Pathway

The process by which a signal on a cell's surface is converted into a specific cellular response through a series of steps.

receptors

specialized proteins that upon recieving a signal, go through structural changes to trigger cellular activities

types of receptors

membrane-bound(GPCR) transmembrane (RTK), or intracellular (hormone receptors)

Receptors have limitations in…

binding and potency

stages of signaling

Reception, transduction, and cellular response

messengers

diffusible signaling molecules rapidly releasing which can activate effector proteins within a cell

messengers can be

hydrophobic(DAG), Hydrophilic(CA), or gases(NO)

specificity of a signal

also given by target tissue characteristics