Biological Signalling Molecules

Question 1

Name the 3 types of cell signalling communication.

Answer 1

Endocrine
Paracrine
Endocrine

Question 2

Describe Endocrine communication.

Answer 2

Glands produce HORMONES secreted in the bloodstream that act as signalling molecules. Act over long distances and are highly potent.

Question 3

What some of processes are endocrine signals involved in?

Answer 3

Digestion, Metabolism, Growth / Development, Behaviours e.g. Sex, stress

Question 4

Give three example of endocrine signals, their half life and course of action.

Answer 4

Amines - have a half life of seconds, course of action ms/s
Peptides / proteins - half life of minutes, course of action mins / hours
Steroids - half life of hours, course of action hours / days

Question 5

Name a therapeutic drug that mimics endocrine signalling.

Answer 5

Adrenaline, Insulin.

Question 6

What is paracrine signalling? Example?

Answer 6

Cell to cell communication, molecules released into extracellular environment.
Neurotransmitters - signalling over a synapse.

Question 7

What the two types of neurotransmitters? Examples?

Answer 7

Excitatory -signal INCREASES firing rate. Adrenaline, Serotonin.
Inhibitory - signal DECREASES firing rate. Dopamine (also excitatory).

Question 8

Therapeutic application of paracrine signalling?

Answer 8

Parkinsonism - increases Dopamine

Depression - increases Serotonin.

Question 9

What is Autocrine signalling? Example?

Answer 9

Cells responding to signalling molecules they produce themselves e.g. Growth factors.

Question 10

What is the acronym for signalling molecule targets (drug targets)?

Answer 10

R - Receptors
I - Ion channels
T - Transporters
E - Enzymes

Question 11

What is the acronym for signalling molecule receptors?

Answer 11

K - Kinase Linked Receptors
I - Ion channels (Ligand Gated)
N - Nuclear / Intracellular
G - G - protein coupled receptors