Chemical Signalling Flashcards
(14 cards)
Why do neurons use chemical signalling?
To send messages across the gap between neurons
Why is there a gap between neurons
Most of the time you don’t want instantaneously produce a response in the target cell
What is the chemical agent used in synaptic signalling
Neurotransmitters
What are the factors the both chemical signal modes use
Chemical signals released by a cell and a cell with receptors
What is the role of the receptor?
Specialised structures on cells that chemicals bind to
Water-soluble chemicals
Short time info, short-lasting effects eg. neurotransmitters
Lipid-soluble chemicals
Long time info, long lasting effects, non-synaptic signalling eg. steroids
Ligand
the normal chemical that binds to the receptor site
binds to the appropriate receptor, causing a shape change, leading to a cellular response
Intracellular receptors
To produce slow, long-lasting changes in cell, act on cells DNA
What regions control ligand binding
Regulatory sites
Ligand receptor binding difference
Different regulatory sites can change how ligands elicit responses
Glutamate
Learning & Memory
