Cell Communication and Cell Cycle Flashcards
Summarize the three stages of cell signaling in one sentence each
Reception: the signal molecule binds to receptor
Signal Transduction: The chemical signal results in a series of enzymes activation
Response: The cell responds to the signal
What do second messengers do, and why is this role some important in some cells
Small, non-protein and ions that help relay the message and amplify the response
Neurons can participate in both local and long distance signaling. How is this possible?
Neurons secrete neurotransmitters in local and in long distance signaling use hormones to send signals through the circulatory system where they reach target cells
How can chemicals activate or inhibit a pathway? I.e.. What does ‘activate’ mean and what does ‘inhibit’ mean in terms of signaling cascade?
Activation: Means a chemical such as a ligand enhances or stimulates the signaling pathways
Inhibit: Means a chemical blocks or dampens the signaling pathways, preventing or reducing the cellular response
Why is Homeostasis often referred to as balance.
It is often referred to as balance because it is the state of relatively stable internal conditions
What is the main difference between negative and positive feedback? Use an example of each to demonstrate your understanding.
Negative feedback reduces the effect of the stimulus and positive feedback increases the effect of the stimulus
Example Positive: Child Labor, Blood Clot
Example Negative: Blood Sugar, Breathing Rate
What happens if the body cannot regulate homeostasis?
If the body cannot regulate homeostasis, then the body cannot regulate cell growth causing cancer and the body cannot regulate blood glucose levels causing diabetes.
How many chromosomes do humans have? How many of these are from the mother and from the father?
Humans have 46 chromosomes, 23 from your mother and 23 from your father.
What are the five stages of mitosis? What is the major function of each stage?
Prophase: Chromosomes condense, spindle forms.
Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart.
Telophase: Chromosomes de-condense, nuclear membranes reform.
Cytokinesis: Division of the cytoplasm into two cells.
Describe what will happen to a cell if it does not pass the G1 checkpoint?
If a cell does not pass G1 checkpoint it will go into G0
What is G0? What types of cells are in G0?
G0 is a non-dividing state where cells exit the cell cycle, cells that are not ready or can’t go through the cell cycle enter G0
Describe at least two ways a cancer cell differs from a normal cell
Cancer Cell: Does not follow checkpoints, evade apoptosis and continue dividing even with errors
Normal Cell: Follows Checkpoints, go through apoptosis when there are significant errors
what 3 ways do cells communicate through
Direct Contact
Local Signaling
Long-Distance Signaling
Plasma Membrane Receptors
Intracellular Receptors
