C2.1 Chemical Signaling

Question 1

Summary of signaling in cells

Answer 1

• Release of ligand from signaling cell.
• Ligand transports to target cell.
• Binds to receptor on target cell.
• Binding to receptor causes a series of reactions within the cell.
• The cell produces a response.
• Ligand is degraded to terminate signal.

Question 2

Methods used by cells to communicate

Answer 2

Cell-cell communication

Cell signaling using chemical messengers.

Local signaling over short distances: cell-cell recognition, local regulators (paracrine and synaptic).

Long distance signaling: hormones.

Question 3

Explain signal transduction pathway

Answer 3

Series of steps by which a signal on a cell’s surface is converted into a specific cellular response.