Cell Communication

Question 1

Ligand

Answer 1

a molecule or ion that forms a complex with a receptor to initiate a signaling sequence

Question 2

Receptor

Answer 2

target site where a ligand binds, changing the conformation of the receptor

Question 3

target cell

Answer 3

the specific cell containing a receptor for a particular ligand

Question 4

paracrine signaling

Answer 4

signaling that occurs when the target cell is near the signaling cell (e.g.: growth factors)

Question 5

exocrine/hormonal signaling

Answer 5

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)

Question 6

synaptic signaling

Answer 6

a type of paracrine signaling between two specific cells connected by a synapse (e.g.: neurotransmitters)

Question 7

autocrine signaling

Answer 7

signaling where the ligand binds to receptors on the same cell

Question 8

local signaling

Answer 8

signaling between adjacent cells (paracrine, autocrine, and synaptic)

Question 9

long distance signaling

Answer 9

signaling between cells separated by some distance (exocrine)

Question 10

kinase

Answer 10

an enzyme that transfers phosphate groups, usually from ATP to substrates; also called a phosphotransferase

Question 11

phosphatase

Answer 11

an enzyme that removes phosphate groups

Question 12

phosphodiesterase

Answer 12

an enzyme that breaks phosphodiester bonds, such as in cAMP

Question 13

adenylyl cyclase

Answer 13

converts ATP to cAMP in order to transfer signals