Cellular Communication Worksheet

Question 1

Explain the substances that comprise the extracellular matrix.

Answer 1

glycoproteins
glycolipids
meshwork of fibers
plasma membrane

Question 2

Describe the function of the extracellular matrix.

Answer 2

structural support system for cells and tissues

Question 3

Describe four types of signaling mechanisms found in multicellular organisms

Answer 3

Autocrine (cell signals to itself)
Direct signaling through gap junctions (signals are sent from cells right ext to each other through gap junctions)
Paracrine (cell signals to nearby cells)
Endocrine (cell signals throughout the whole body over long distances)

Question 4

Describe a tight junction

Answer 4

seals cells together so fluids don’t escape

Question 5

Describe a desmosome

Answer 5

proteins that hold the cytoskeletons of cells together

Question 6

Describe gap junctions

Answer 6

channels in between cells that allow cells to send signals to each other

Question 7

Explain thyroid hormone signaling

Answer 7

hypothalamus sends signal to the pituitary glands that signal to the thyroid gland where the thyroid then secretes a thyroid hormone that triggers metabolism and growth

Question 8

Explain how g PCRs function

Answer 8

by receiving an extracellular signal (ligand) which binds to its specific binding site on the receptor, causing a conformational change that then activates a G protein, leading to the generation of intracellular second messengers and subsequent cellular responses