[08] Biophysics of Cell Communication and Signaling

Question 1

What is the main study topic?

Answer 1

Biophysics of cell communication and signaling

Question 2

What is “Cell Communication”?

Answer 2

It’s the process by which cells interact and coordinate their functions via signals.

Question 3

What is “Cell Signaling”?

Answer 3

It refers to the mechanisms cells use to communicate and interpret the messages they receive.

Question 4

What is the difference between “Cell Communication” and “Cell Signaling”?

Answer 4

Cell communication is the broader process of interaction between cells, while “cell signaling” is the specific mechanism through which the communication happens.

Question 5

What are the main types of cell signaling?

Answer 5

• Autocrine signaling
• Paracrine signaling
• Endocrine signaling
• Juxtacrine signaling

Question 6

What is “Autocrine Signaling”?

Answer 6

It’s when a cell secretes a molecule that binds to receptors on its own surface, affecting the cell that produced the signal.

Question 7

What is “Paracrine Signaling”?

Answer 7

It’s when a cell releases a signal that affects nearby cells.

Question 8

What is “Endocrine Signaling”?

Answer 8

It’s when glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream, which can affect cells throughout the body.

Question 9

What is “Juxtacrine Signaling”?

Answer 9

It’s when a cell stimulates an adjacent cell by direct contact.

Question 10

What are “Signal Molecules”?

Answer 10

These are chemicals produced by cells that transmit information to other cells.

Question 11

What is a “Receptor” in the context of cell signaling?

Answer 11

A receptor is a protein on a cell’s surface or within the cell that binds to a specific signal molecule.

Question 12

What is “Signal Transduction”?

Answer 12

Signal transduction is the process by which a signal on a cell’s surface is transformed into a specific cellular response.

Question 13

What is a “Second Messenger” in cell signaling?

Answer 13

A second messenger is a molecule that relays signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.

Question 14

What is “Signal Amplification” in the context of cell communication?

Answer 14

It’s the process by which a single signal molecule can generate multiple second messengers, amplifying the cell’s response.

Question 15

What is “Intracellular Signaling”?

Answer 15

It’s the process of signal transmission within a cell, which often involves second messengers.

Question 16

What is “Intercellular Signaling”?

Answer 16

It’s the process of signal transmission between cells.

Question 17

What is a “Signaling Pathway”?

Answer 17

It’s a series of chemical reactions and molecular events that lead to a cell’s response to a signal.

Question 18

What is “Cellular Response”?

Answer 18

It’s the change in cellular activity triggered by a signal.

Question 19

What is “Feedback Regulation” in cell signaling?

Answer 19

It’s a mechanism that adjusts the sensitivity of a cell to a particular signal, based on the cell’s response to that signal.

Question 20

What is “Signal Termination”?

Answer 20

It’s the process that stops the response to a signal, bringing the cell back to its original state.