4.1: Cell Communication Flashcards
Identify a message communicated by direct cell-to-cell contact. What occurs during this process?
The cell sends a signal either through the Plasmodesmata in plant cells, and gap junctions in animal cells. For example, the B-cells in the immune system attaches to an antigen on an infected cell.
Identify a message communicated by chemical signaling. What occurs during this process?
The target cell is able to send a signal to the receiving cell. It can be either long distance (to a different type of cell or short distance (to a cell of the same type). For example, neurotransmitters can travel across the gap junction and attach to the target cell.
How do cells communicate over a short distance? Identify two examples.
The cell sends out local regulators (signals) that are received by a cell of similar type not too far away.
How do cells communicate over long distances? Identify one example.
The cell sends out a signal that travels further to a different area with cells that are a different type.
What is the process that results in the release of chemical signal from a cell? Where are the chemical signals synthesized? Where are the chemical signals processed?
Signal reception- the chemical signal is detected and binds to a receptor protein.
Signal Transduction- the signal activates a series of different molecules
Cellular response- action occurs
What occurs during reception?
The chemical signal is detected and binds to a receptor protein.
Where is the receptor for a steroid hormone?
Inside of the cell since the steroid is able to pass through the cell membrane as it is non polar.
Where is the receptor for a protein hormone?
Outside of the cell as it is not able to pass through the cell membrane.
True or False: Only specific cells will respond to specific chemical signals because they have a receptor for the chemical signal.
True: each cell has receptors for specific signals
