[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.
