Cell Signalling Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is paracrine signaling?
Paracrine signaling involves the release of signaling molecules that affect nearby cells.
What is endocrine signaling?
Endocrine signaling involves hormones traveling through the bloodstream to reach and signal distant target cells.
What is autocrine signaling?
Autocrine signaling occurs when a cell produces signaling molecules that bind to receptors on its own surface, affecting itself.
Define “receptor.”
A receptor is a protein on a cell’s surface or within the cell that binds to specific signaling molecules (ligands) to initiate a cellular response
Define “ligand.”
A ligand is a signaling molecule that binds specifically to a receptor to activate or inhibit its function
What is “signal transduction”?
A: Signal transduction is the process by which a cell converts a signal from a ligand-receptor interaction into a functional response
Q: What are the three phases of signal transduction?
A: 1. Reception: A signaling molecule binds to a receptor.
2. Transduction: The signal is relayed and amplified through intracellular pathways.
3. Response: The cell executes a specific response, such as activating genes or enzymes
What occurs during the “reception” phase of signal transduction?
A: During reception, a ligand binds to its specific receptor, often causing a conformational change in the receptor to activate it
What happens during the “transduction” phase of signal transduction?
A: The activated receptor triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events, often involving second messengers and protein kinases.
Q: What is the “response” phase in signal transduction?
A: The cell produces an appropriate response, such as gene transcription, protein synthesis, or changes in cell behavior
Q: How are signals from cell surface receptors transduced to regulate gene transcription?
A: Signals from surface receptors activate intracellular pathways, such as MAPK or CAMP pathways, which ultimately activate transcription factors. These transcription factors bind to DNA to regulate the transcription of specific genes
