AP biology: cell communication, the cell cycle

Question 1

Signal transduction pathways

Answer 1

The process by which a signal on a cells surface is converted into a specific cellular response which is a series of steps

Question 2

Local regulators

Answer 2

Secreted messenger molecules that travel short distances which influence the cells vicinity

Question 3

Paracrine signaling

Answer 3

Numerous cells can simultaneously recieve and respond to the molecules of growth factor produced by a single cell in their vicinity
(Growth factors that stimulate nearby target cells to grow and multiply)

Question 4

Synaptic signaling

Answer 4

Occurs in animal nervous system
An electrical signal along a nerve cell triggers the secretion of a chemical signal in the form of a neurotransmitter molecule. They diffuse across the synapse and stimulates the target cell.

Question 5

Which local signaling is not understood well and why?

Answer 5

Plant cell local signaling because cell walls use mechanisms somewhat different from those operating locally in animal cells.

Question 6

Hormones

Answer 6

Long distance signaling
Animal: endocrine signaling, specialized cells release hormone molecules into vessels of the circulatory system,by which they travel to target cells in other parts of the body.
Plant: growth regulators, more often reach targets by moving through the cell or by diffusion through the air as a gas.