Lecture 8 Flashcards
cell signaling
process by which one cell communicates with another cell to influence its behavior
receptor
a protein, usually in the cell membrane, that binds a signal molecule that initiates a cellular response. cell surface receptors
ligand
any molecule that binds to a specific site on a protein (ie receptor protein or other molecules) the signal or message
vesicle
small, membrane bounded sac that stores substances within a cell
endocytosis
the uptake of material into a cell cytoplasm via membranous vesicles
exocytosis
the process by which “most” molecules are secreted from a eukaryotic cell (membrane bound vesicles)
metablosim
the sum total of chemical processes that take place in living cells
signal molecule
extracellular or intracellular molecule that cues the response of a cell to behavior of other cells or objects in the environment
paracrine signaing
“short-range” cell-cell communication via secreted signal molecules that act on adjacent cells
synaptic signaling
cell-cell communication that occurs across chemical synapses in the nervous system
autocrine signaling
secreted signal that can bind back to the sending cell
endocrine cell
specialized eukaryotic cell that secretes hormone into the blood stream, usually part of gland (ie thyroid or pituitary gland)
hormones
signal molecules secreted by a endocrine cell into the bloodstream, which can then carry it to a distant target cell
first messengers
intercellular chemical messengers (hormones neurotransmitters, and paracrine / autocrine agents
second messengers
small molecule that is formed in or released into the cytosol in response to an extracellular signal and helps to relay the signal to the interior of the cell
