[W11] The integrated cell Flashcards
(21 cards)
What determines cell type?
The specific set of genes it expresses, regulated by transcription factors.
What further modifies protein function after synthesis?
Post-translational modifications (PTMs).
Why do some cells respond to signals and others don’t?
Only cells with the appropriate receptors can respond to specific signals.
What are the major categories of cellular systems?
Energy/Metabolism, Transport, Information (transcription, translation, PTMs), Cell fate processes (growth, death, motion, adhesion, differentiation).
What controls all major cellular processes?
Cell signalling and genetic circuits.
What is ‘coincidence detection’ in signalling?
Cells require multiple signals simultaneously to trigger a response.
Name two key pathways involved in signal integration.
Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akt (PKB) pathways.
What outcomes can result from integrated signalling?
Cell division, survival, or apoptosis.
What enzymes control phosphorylation?
Kinases add phosphates; phosphatases remove them.
Is phosphorylation reversible?
Yes, it’s rapid and reversible.
Name three types of PTMs other than phosphorylation.
Ubiquitinylation, acetylation, methylation (over 400 types known).
What proteins control the cell cycle?
Cyclins and CDKs (cyclin-dependent kinases).
What does the mTOR pathway regulate?
Nutrient sensing, growth, autophagy, and protein synthesis.
What ensures proper protein folding?
Molecular chaperones.
How are damaged proteins removed?
Via the proteasome or autophagy.
What does autophagy degrade?
Protein aggregates, damaged organelles, and large cellular structures.
What processes interact in the integrated cell?
Signalling, translation, trafficking, protein localisation, degradation, DNA repair, and more.
Name some outcomes of integrated cell activity.
Growth, survival, proliferation, migration, ageing, cancer.
What model systems are used to study these processes?
Yeast, worms, flies, mammals, and cultured cells.
What is a quantitative approach to studying cells?
Measuring concentrations, rates, and thresholds (e.g., enzyme activity).
What is a qualitative approach to studying cells?
Understanding pathway structure and binary logic (e.g., signal presence or absence).
