Cell Communication

Question 1

Name the 2 forms of cell communication.

Answer 1

Electrical and chemical.

Question 2

What communication allows rapid transmission in both directions via gaps?

Answer 2

Electrical

Question 3

What communication works via synapses?

Answer 3

Chemical

Question 4

Describe the sequence of events that occur in a synapse (chemical communication).

Answer 4

Impulse at the terminal of the presynaptic cell.
Transmitter is released from the storage vesicles.
Transmitter diffuses across the cleft.
Binds to the receptors on the postsynaptic cell.
Response can be excitatory or inhibitory.

Question 5

What is the difference between communication by nerves and communication by hormones?

Answer 5

Nerve communication is specific and localised.

Communication by hormones is body wide so effects many parts of the body.

Question 6

Can steroid transmitters pass through the cell membrane?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

Can peptide transmitters pass through the cell membrane?

Answer 7

No, bind to receptors on the surface and initiate G protein controlled reactions where second messengers are activated.

Question 8

Name a few second messengers.

Answer 8

cAMP and Calcium ions.