C2.1 Chemical Signalling

Question 1

What is chemical signaling?

Answer 1

The process by which cells communicate with each other through chemical signals.

Question 2

True or False: Chemical signaling only occurs in multicellular organisms.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

What are the main types of chemical signals?

Answer 3

Hormones, neurotransmitters, and local mediators.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: Hormones are produced by ______ glands.

Answer 4

endocrine

Question 5

What is the role of neurotransmitters?

Answer 5

To transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Question 6

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of chemical signaling? A) Endocrine B) Paracrine C) Exocrine D) Autocrine

Answer 6

C) Exocrine

Question 7

Define autocrine signaling.

Answer 7

A type of signaling where a cell targets itself.

Question 8

What is paracrine signaling?

Answer 8

Signaling where a cell targets nearby cells.

Question 9

True or False: Hormonal signals can have long-lasting effects.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What is the primary function of signaling molecules?

Answer 10

To elicit a specific response in target cells.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The receptor proteins are located on the ______ of the target cell.

Answer 11

membrane

Question 12

What happens when a signaling molecule binds to its receptor?

Answer 12

It triggers a conformational change in the receptor, initiating a cellular response.

Question 13

Multiple Choice: Which type of signaling is characterized by hormones traveling through the bloodstream? A) Autocrine B) Endocrine C) Paracrine D) Juxtacrine

Answer 13

B) Endocrine

Question 14

Define juxtacrine signaling.

Answer 14

Direct signaling between adjacent cells through surface molecules.

Question 15

What is a ligand?

Answer 15

A molecule that binds specifically to a receptor.

Question 16

True or False: All receptors can respond to multiple types of signaling molecules.

Answer 16

False

Question 17

What is signal transduction?

Answer 17

The process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The ______ pathway is often involved in signal transduction.

Answer 18

second messenger

Question 19

What role do second messengers play in signaling?

Answer 19

They amplify the signal within the cell and propagate the response.

Question 20

Multiple Choice: Which is a common second messenger? A) ATP B) cAMP C) GTP D) NADH

Answer 20

B) cAMP

Question 21

What is the function of protein kinases in signaling pathways?

Answer 21

To phosphorylate target proteins, altering their activity.

Question 22

True or False: Only water-soluble hormones can pass through the cell membrane.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

What is the significance of feedback mechanisms in chemical signaling?

Answer 23

They regulate the production and activity of signaling molecules to maintain homeostasis.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Negative feedback loops help to ______ the effects of a hormone.

Answer 24

diminish

Question 25

What is the role of the hypothalamus in hormonal signaling?

Answer 25

To regulate the pituitary gland and coordinate the endocrine system.

Question 26

Multiple Choice: Which hormone is released in response to stress? A) Insulin B) Cortisol C) Estrogen D) Thyroxine

Answer 26

B) Cortisol

Question 27

What triggers the release of neurotransmitters?

Answer 27

An action potential reaching the synaptic terminal.

Question 28

True or False: Chemical signaling is only involved in physiological processes.

Answer 28

False

Question 29

What is the primary difference between endocrine and exocrine signaling?

Answer 29

Endocrine signaling uses the bloodstream, while exocrine signaling involves secretion to external surfaces.

Question 30

Fill in the blank: ______ receptors are found inside the cell and respond to lipid-soluble hormones.

Answer 30

Intracellular

Question 31

What is the effect of glucagon on blood glucose levels?

Answer 31

It increases blood glucose levels.

Question 32

Multiple Choice: Which type of signaling would you associate with inflammation? A) Autocrine B) Paracrine C) Endocrine D) Juxtacrine

Answer 32

B) Paracrine

Question 33

Define neuroendocrine signaling.

Answer 33

Signaling that integrates the nervous and endocrine systems through neurohormones.

Question 34

True or False: Chemical signals can only be proteins.

Answer 34

False

Question 35

What is the role of receptors in cellular response?

Answer 35

To bind specific signaling molecules and initiate a response.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: The ______ system is responsible for the release of hormones into the bloodstream.

Answer 36

endocrine

Question 37

What type of signaling involves a cell responding to its own signals?

Answer 37

Autocrine signaling.

Question 38

Multiple Choice: Which hormone lowers blood sugar levels? A) Glucagon B) Insulin C) Cortisol D) Epinephrine

Answer 38

B) Insulin

Question 39

What is a key characteristic of local mediators?

Answer 39

They act on nearby cells rather than being transported through the bloodstream.

Question 40

True or False: All signaling pathways are linear and straightforward.

Answer 40

False

Question 41

What is the primary purpose of chemical signaling in organisms?

Answer 41

To coordinate and regulate physiological processes.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: Signal ______ is crucial for proper cellular communication.

Answer 42

amplification

Question 43

What is the function of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system?

Answer 43

To secrete hormones that regulate other glands and bodily functions.