[60] Cellular Signaling Pathways Flashcards
What are Cellular Signaling Pathways?
They are communication systems that coordinate cellular activities and enable cells to respond to environmental cues.
Name the basic elements of a cellular signaling pathway.
- Ligand
- Receptor
- Transduction mechanism
- Response
What is a ligand in the context of cellular signaling?
It’s a molecule that binds to a specific site on a receptor.
What is a receptor in the context of cellular signaling?
It’s a protein that receives the signal from a ligand.
What is transduction in cellular signaling?
It’s the process of converting the signal into a cellular response.
What is a second messenger in cellular signaling?
It’s a molecule that relays signals received at receptors on the cell surface.
Can you name a common second messenger?
Cyclic AMP (cAMP)
What does cAMP stand for?
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate
Name an example of a cellular signaling pathway.
The MAPK/ERK pathway
What does MAPK/ERK stand for?
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase
What role does the MAPK/ERK pathway play in the cell?
It regulates cell division, differentiation, and survival.
What is a kinase in the context of cellular signaling?
It’s an enzyme that adds a phosphate group to a protein in a process called phosphorylation.
What is the role of phosphorylation in cellular signaling?
It’s a key mechanism for regulating protein function and transmitting signals within the cell.
What is an antagonist in the context of cellular signaling?
It’s a molecule that inhibits the function of a receptor.
What is an agonist in the context of cellular signaling?
It’s a molecule that activates a receptor.
How does cellular signaling contribute to disease?
Abnormalities in signaling pathways can lead to uncontrolled cell growth or division, contributing to diseases like cancer.
What is the potential therapeutic application of understanding cellular signaling pathways?
Targeting specific elements in a pathway can be used to design drugs for diseases.
Can you name a drug that targets a cellular signaling pathway?
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets the HER2 receptor in breast cancer.
What does HER2 stand for?
Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2
