Local Signaling
What is paracrine signaling?
A type of local signaling where secreted messenger molecules stimulate nearby cells to grow and divide.
What happens during reception?
A signaling molecule binds to a receptor protein, which then changes shape to initiate a signal transduction pathway.
What is a phosphorylation cascade?
A series of enzymatic reactions where one protein kinase activates another through the addition of phosphate groups.
What is a cellular response?
The final outcome of a signal transduction pathway, which can involve changes in gene expression or cellular activity.
What is apoptosis?
A programmed cell death process that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells.
What are gap junctions?
Structures that directly connect the cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells, allowing signaling substances to pass between them.
What is a receptor protein?
A protein on or in a target cell that specifically binds to a signaling molecule.
What is a second messenger
Small, nonprotein molecules or ions that relay signals within a cell after the receptor has been activated.
What is a transcription factor?
A protein that regulates gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences.
How is apoptosis triggered?
It can be initiated by external signals or internal cues indicating that the cell is damaged or no longer needed.
How do synaptic signals work?
Synaptic signaling occurs when a neurotransmitter is released in response to an electric signal, diffusing across a synapse to affect target cells.
What is the role of G protein-coupled receptors
GPCRs are transmembrane receptors that activate G proteins when a signaling molecule binds, initiating a signaling cascade.
How does cAMP function as a second messenger?
cAMP is produced from ATP by adenylyl cyclase and amplifies the signal initiated by a receptor.
How does epinephrine affect cells?
It stimulates glycogen breakdown into glucose, especially during the fight-or-flight response.
What is the significance of apoptosis in development?
It helps shape developing organisms by removing unnecessary cells, such as those between fingers and toes
What is cell-cell recognition?
A process by which cells use membrane-bound surface molecules to identify and communicate with each other.
How do intracellular receptors work?
They are located in the cytoplasm or nucleus and bind small or hydrophobic chemical messengers that can cross the cell membrane.
What does signal transduction amplify
It amplifies the initial signal, allowing for a greater cellular response through a cascade of molecular interactions.
What happens in the cytoplasm during signaling?
Various responses occur, including activation of proteins and initiation of metabolic pathways.
What happens to a cell during apoptosis?
The cell undergoes a series of controlled steps leading to its death, including DNA fragmentation and membrane blebbing.
What is a local regulator?
Secreted messenger molecules that travel short distances to affect nearby target cells.
What is a signaling molecule?
A molecule that transmits information between cells, triggering a cellular response.
What are relay molecules?
Proteins that transmit signals from receptors to target molecules within the cell.
What is the role of a nuclear response?
It involves changes in gene expression and regulation of cellular activities through transcription factors
: How does apoptosis prevent damage?
By packaging cellular components into vesicles that are digested by scavenger cells, preventing leakage of harmful enzymes.