C2.1 CHEMICAL SIGNALLING Flashcards
Which type of signals are studied in this lesson?
Chemical
How do cells interact with each other?
By sending and receiving signals sent by signaling molecules.
Whats another name for signaling molecules?
Ligands
Outline how a signaling molecule sends a response:
1) A cell produces a ligand.
2) Ligand approaches ligand-binding site.
3) Ligand binding causes conformational changes in the receptor on the target cell.
4) Signal is passed on to the cell to perform a certain function.
5) ligand dissociates.
What are the 4 types of signaling molecules
Hormones, Neurotransmitters, Cytokines, Calcium Ions
Hormones outlined
- produced by specialized cells in glands.
- secreted by ductless endocrine glands, directly into blood flow
- transported to all parts of the body, taking up to a minute
- binds to receptors inside/outside the cell and promotes or inhibits certain activities.
- has long-lasting effects
- can target multiple types of cells so have widespread effects.
- insulin, thyroxin, estrogen
Neurotransmitters
- Transmit signals across the synapse.
- secreted when a nerve impulse reaches the axon terminal.
- Take 0.5-1ms to trigger a response due to a narrow gap.
- binds to receptors on the plasma membrane.
- short-lived effects as they are removed from synaptic gaps.
- convey signals to specific post-synaptic membranes.
Cytokines outlined
- small proteins
- one cytoK can be secreted by various cells
- some can be secreted by almost any cell type
- do not travel as far as hormones
- cant enter cells: only bind to receptors on T-C membrane
- binding causes a cascade of signaling and thus changes in gene expression.
- have multiple effects as one cytokine can bind to different RPs
- have roles in inflammation, cell growth and proliferation, and development of embryos.
- erythropoietin, interferon, interleukin
Ca2+ ions outlines
- low intracellular concentrations as pumped out.
- diffuse into cells through voltage-gated or ligand-gated channels.
- used for signaling in neurons and muscles.
- cause muscle fibers to contract
- cause pre-synaptic neuron to release neurotransmitter into synapse
What is the advantage of unicellular organisms sending chemical signalling to each other?
helps adjust cell activity to population density
Quorum sensing
Changes in cell activity due to the proportion of receptors with ligands rising above a threshold.
How do Vibrio fischeri create bioluminescence?
- VF cells secrete chemical signals which act as autoinducers.
- Binds to LuxR in the protein.
- LuxR-autoinducer complex binds to a position in the cell’s DNA that induce the transcription of genes coding for the production of luciferase.
- Catalyses a oxidation rxn that releases energy in the form of blue-green light.
Outline the mutualistic relationship between Vibrio Fischeri and Bobtail squid:
- Bacteria in the light organ are supplied with sugars and amino acid.
- Light produced collectively by bacteria helps to camouflage the squid in moonlight.
What are the properties of any signalling molecule?
- Distinctive in shape and properties so that it can be distinguished from other chemicals.
- Small and soluble enough to be transported.
Acronym for amine hormones:
Amine
Melatonin
Adrenaline
Thyroxin
Acronym for Peptide hormone:
Peptide
Adh
Insulin
Glucagon
for steroid hormone
Steroid
Testosterone
Oestradiol
Progesterone
for Amine NTs
Amine
Norepinephrine
Dopamine
Example of gas NTs
Nitrous oxide
Amino acid NTs
Glycine, Glutamate