Cell Communication Flashcards
Ligand
a molecule or ion that forms a complex with a receptor to initiate a signaling sequence
Receptor
target site where a ligand binds, changing the conformation of the receptor
target cell
the specific cell containing a receptor for a particular ligand
paracrine signaling
signaling that occurs when the target cell is near the signaling cell (e.g.: growth factors)
exocrine/hormonal signaling
signaling initiated by a cell or gland in one part of the body that is intended for cells in other parts of the body; the signal travels through the bloodstream (e.g.: hormones)
synaptic signaling
a type of paracrine signaling between two specific cells connected by a synapse (e.g.: neurotransmitters)
autocrine signaling
signaling where the ligand binds to receptors on the same cell
local signaling
signaling between adjacent cells (paracrine, autocrine, and synaptic)
long distance signaling
signaling between cells separated by some distance (exocrine)
kinase
an enzyme that transfers phosphate groups, usually from ATP to substrates; also called a phosphotransferase
phosphatase
an enzyme that removes phosphate groups
phosphodiesterase
an enzyme that breaks phosphodiester bonds, such as in cAMP
adenylyl cyclase
converts ATP to cAMP in order to transfer signals