Cell communication Flashcards
What is the sequence of cell signalling?
- Reception
- Transduction
- Activation and response
Where do paracrine signals move?
Through extracellular matrix (by diffusion)
What is cell communication?
The process by which cells can detect and respond to signals in their environment.
Cell communication is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and coordinating functions in multicellular organisms.
List the three main types of cell signaling.
- Autocrine signaling
- Paracrine signaling
- Endocrine signaling
These signaling mechanisms describe how cells communicate over different distances.
What is autocrine signaling?
A form of cell signaling where a cell secretes a signal that binds to receptors on its own surface.
This type of signaling is often involved in self-regulation.
What is paracrine signaling?
A form of cell signaling where a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells.
This is important for processes like tissue repair and immune responses.
What is endocrine signaling?
A form of cell signaling where hormones are released into the bloodstream to affect distant cells.
This type of signaling is crucial for coordinating long-range effects in the body.
Fill in the blank: In cell communication, _______ are molecules that transmit signals to other cells.
[signaling molecules]
What are receptors in the context of cell signaling?
Proteins on the surface or inside of cells that bind to signaling molecules.
Receptors are crucial for cells to respond appropriately to signals.
True or False: All cells respond to every signaling molecule.
False
Only cells with the appropriate receptors can respond to a specific signaling molecule.
What is the role of second messengers in cell signaling?
They relay signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.
Common second messengers include cyclic AMP and calcium ions.
What is signal transduction?
The process by which a cell converts an extracellular signal into a functional response.
This process often involves multiple steps and can amplify the signal.
Fill in the blank: The process by which a cell can respond to a signal is called _______.
[signal response]
What are ligands in cell signaling?
Signaling molecules that bind to receptors to initiate a cellular response.
Ligands can be hormones, neurotransmitters, or other signaling molecules.
What is the difference between a primary messenger and a secondary messenger?
A primary messenger is the initial signaling molecule, while a secondary messenger relays the signal within the cell.
Examples of primary messengers include hormones, while cyclic AMP is a common secondary messenger.
What is feedback inhibition in cell signaling?
A regulatory mechanism in which the end product of a process inhibits its own production.
This is a common way to maintain homeostasis in biological systems.
Fill in the blank: The _______ pathway is a series of molecular events and cellular reactions that lead to a response after a signal is received.
[signaling pathway]
What is the significance of cell communication in multicellular organisms?
It allows for coordination of actions among different cells, contributing to overall organism function.
Proper cell communication is essential for processes like growth, immune response, and homeostasis.
