Lecture 7- Cell communication

Question 1

Define contact dependant signalling?

Answer 1

Type of cell signalling that requires close contact (e.g involving a membrane bound receptor and a membrane bound signal)

Question 2

Define synaptic signalling

Answer 2

A type of paracrine signalling in which the nerve cells transmits signals across the synapse via the release of neurotransmitters

Question 3

Define paracrine signalling

Answer 3

Cells communicating over a short distance through the release of chemical messengers

Question 4

Define endocrine signalling

Answer 4

Transmission of signals over long distances. Signals are produced by specialised cells and release into the bloodstream which carries the signal to the target cells.

Question 5

How do cells respond to signalling?

Answer 5

Receptor interacts with intracellular signalling proteins which transmit the signal and influence the effector proteins which can trigger different things

E.g alter metabolism, gene expression or cell shape/movement

Question 6

Give a classic example of cells response to signalling

Answer 6

A morphogen gradient

Question 7

What levels can regulation occur at?

Answer 7

1. Extracellular
2. Ligand
3. Receptor
4. Intracellular transduction of the signal

Question 8

What are the two major groups of protein kinase in eukaryotes?

Answer 8

1. Serine/threonine kinase

2. Tyrosine kinase