cell signalling

Question 1

ways in which cells communicate
What is direct contact?

Answer 1

• cells with gap junctions
• 2 cells with complementary surface proteins that may come in contact with one another. e.g., in the blood stream

Question 2

ways in which cells communicate
What is paracrine signalling ?

Answer 2

• communication over a short distance
• one cell releases a molecule via a vesicle which comes in contact with another cell

Question 3

ways in which cells communicate
What is endocrine signalling ?

Answer 3

• similar to paracrine but over a longer distance
  e.g., hormones - steroid or protein

Question 4

ways in which cells communicate
What is autocrine signalling?

Answer 4

when a cell releases a molecule that affects itself