flashcards

Chemical Communication

The process by which cells communicate through chemical signals such as hormones.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions.

Autocrine Signaling

A form of chemical communication where a cell influences the activity of itself or the same cell type.

Paracrine Signaling

A form of communication where a signaling molecule affects neighboring cells.

Endocrine Signaling

A long-distance communication system where hormones are secreted into the bloodstream to target distant tissues.

Water-Soluble Hormones

Hormones that dissolve in water, and are usually dispersed in the bloodstream without carrier proteins.

Lipid-Soluble Hormones

Hormones that do not dissolve in water, typically requiring carrier proteins to be transported in the bloodstream.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell converts extracellular signals into a response through a cascade of molecular events.

Receptors

Proteins on a cell's surface or within a cell that bind to signaling molecules, triggering a response in the cell.

Signal Amplification

The process by which a single signal can produce a large response in a cell.

Specificity of Hormones

The ability of hormones to only affect target cells that possess the specific receptors for that hormone.

Duration of Response

The length of time a hormonal response continues, which can vary between minutes to days.

Epinephrine

A water-soluble hormone, also known as adrenaline, that prepares the body for 'fight-or-flight' responses.

Steroid Hormones

A group of hormones derived from cholesterol that are lipid-soluble and can easily cross cell membranes.

Peptide Hormones

Hormones comprised of amino acid chains that are usually water-soluble and stored in secretory vesicles.

Amine Hormones

Hormones derived from amino acids, either water-soluble or lipid-soluble depending on their specific structure.