Cell Communication and Signaling
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism by which G-protein-coupled receptors exert their effect on target proteins?

  • They sequester second messengers within the cytoplasm.
  • They undergo a conformational change that releases neurotransmitters.
  • They directly open ion channels in the plasma membrane.
  • They activate an enzyme or ion channel through GTP binding. (correct)
  • Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of adenylyl cyclase in cell signaling?

  • It catalyzes the formation of cyclic AMP from ATP. (correct)
  • It serves as a direct receptor for signaling molecules.
  • It binds to the ligand-gated channels to modify their function.
  • It converts cyclic AMP to ATP in the presence of GTP.
  • What occurs following the binding of a signaling molecule to a G-protein-coupled receptor?

  • The receptor becomes inactive and releases GDP.
  • GDP is exchanged for GTP, activating the G protein. (correct)
  • The signaling molecule is transported into the nucleus.
  • The receptor undergoes degradation within the cell.
  • Which molecule is most commonly involved in the signaling cascade initiated by G-protein-coupled receptors?

    <p>Cyclic AMP (cAMP) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of receptor directly opens an ion channel upon ligand binding?

    <p>Ion-channel coupled receptors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers many biological processes through increases in calcium levels?

    <p>G-protein coupled receptors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class of receptors primarily involves dimerisation upon signaling molecule binding?

    <p>Enzyme-coupled receptors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of Ras in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling?

    <p>To act as a monomeric GTPase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the action of steroid hormones in the context of intracellular receptors?

    <p>They activate transcription of target genes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and primarily affects metabolism?

    <p>Cortisol (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which signaling pathway is activated by the binding of signaling molecules to G-protein coupled receptors?

    <p>cAMP pathways (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do G-protein coupled receptors primarily regulate within the cell?

    <p>Enzyme activity and signaling pathways (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of enzyme-coupled receptors, especially receptor tyrosine kinases?

    <p>They activate intracellular signaling complexes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component is transformed during the activation of Ras by receptor tyrosine kinases?

    <p>GDP is exchanged for GTP. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of receptors crosses the plasma membrane and binds to intracellular receptors?

    <p>Steroid hormones (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of signaling involves hormones that are distributed throughout the body?

    <p>Endocrine signaling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of signaling do cells release signals that act locally on nearby cells?

    <p>Paracrine signaling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of intracellular signaling proteins?

    <p>To relay, amplify, integrate, and distribute signals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which class of receptors opens or closes in response to the binding of a signaling molecule, thus allowing the flow of ions across the membrane?

    <p>Ion-channel coupled receptors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines the specific set of signals a cell responds to in a multicellular organism?

    <p>The presence of specific receptor proteins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of signaling occurs when a cell binds a signal molecule directly to a receptor on an adjacent cell?

    <p>Contact-dependent signaling (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a class of cell surface receptors?

    <p>Nuclear hormone receptors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about molecular switches is correct?

    <p>They can be reset by phosphorylation or GTP binding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of effector proteins in cell signaling?

    <p>To alter cellular functions in response to signaling pathways (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of signal transmitter is crucial for the nervous system and muscle cell activity?

    <p>Neuronal signals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Ion-channel coupled receptors

    These are a type of cell surface receptor that opens a channel to let ions pass through when a specific molecule binds to them. This process is also known as ligand-gated ion channels.

    G-protein coupled receptors

    These receptors are linked to G proteins, which are like messenger molecules inside the cell. These receptors bind to signaling molecules and activate G proteins, starting a chain reaction within the cell.

    What does adenylyl cyclase do?

    This is a key enzyme involved in signaling pathways triggered by G-protein coupled receptors. It produces a second messenger called cAMP.

    What is Cyclic AMP (cAMP)?

    Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a small molecule produced inside cells and acts as a second messenger, triggering further responses within the cell.

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    What does Protein Kinase A (PKA) do?

    Protein kinase A (PKA) is an enzyme activated by cAMP. PKA then phosphorylates target proteins, modifying their activity and causing a specific cellular response.

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    Signal transduction

    The process of converting a signal from one form to another. For example, a chemical signal might be converted into a change in gene expression.

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    Paracrine signaling

    Cells release signaling molecules into the surrounding environment, affecting nearby cells.

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    Neuronal signaling

    Specialized cells called neurons transmit signals over long distances, using axons.

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    Contact-dependent signaling

    Signaling molecules on one cell bind to receptors on an adjacent cell, allowing for direct communication.

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    Cellular response to signals

    The ability of a cell to respond to a specific set of signals is determined by the combination of receptor proteins present. This ensures targeted communication and efficient signaling.

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    Receptor protein role

    Cells respond to signals based on the presence of specific receptor proteins on their surface. They can recognize and respond to specific signals by utilizing receptor proteins that match those signals.

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    Molecular switches

    A molecular switch that can be turned on or off, influencing protein activity. This ensures that signaling pathways are controlled and can be readily reset.

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    Hormones

    A type of signaling molecule that controls a wide range of cellular functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

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    Intracellular signaling proteins

    Intracellular signaling molecules transmit signals from the cell surface to the interior of the cell. This allows the signal to be relayed, amplified, integrated, and distributed to the appropriate cellular targets.

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    Glycogen breakdown in skeletal muscle

    Breakdown of glycogen in skeletal muscle is a process that provides glucose for energy. It is activated by hormones like adrenaline or glucagon when the body needs a quick energy boost.

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    What are G-protein coupled receptors?

    G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large and diverse family of cell surface receptors that are involved in a wide array of signaling processes.

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    What is the function of G-protein coupled receptors?

    They are important in many cellular processes, including hormone, neurotransmitter, and light signaling.

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    What are G-proteins?

    G-proteins are membrane-bound proteins that act as molecular switches. They can bind to GTP (active state) or GDP (inactive state).

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    What is cyclic AMP?

    Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a small molecule that acts as a 'second messenger' inside cells. It is produced by the enzyme adenylyl cyclase in response to certain signals.

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    What is phospholipase C?

    Phospholipase C is an enzyme that breaks down a membrane lipid called phosphoinositide. This produces diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol trisphosphate (IP3).

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    What are DAG and IP3?

    Diacylglycerol (DAG) and Inositol trisphosphate (IP3) act as important second messengers, contributing to various cellular processes, such as muscle contraction and cell growth.

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    What are enzyme-coupled receptors?

    Enzyme-coupled receptors are a type of cell surface receptor that directly catalyze (speed up) a specific enzymatic reaction within the cell.

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    What are receptor tyrosine kinases?

    The largest group of enzyme-coupled receptors is the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). These receptors are involved in various processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and metabolism.

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    What is Ras?

    Ras is a small GTPase protein that plays a critical role in cell signaling. It acts as a 'on/off' switch involved in cell growth, division, and differentiation.

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    Study Notes

    Cell Communication

    • Cells in multicellular organisms need to respond to external and internal changes, which often involves adapting or coordinating behavior.
    • Cells need to send and receive signals.
    • Cellular communication involves different forms of information that can require conversion from one form to another.
    • Signal transduction is a process of converting a signal.
    • Typical cellular communication describes the signalling cell producing a signal and this signal molecule being detected by a receptor protein on a target cell.

    Signal Transmission Range

    • Hundreds of different extracellular signal molecules exist, including proteins, peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives, and dissolved gases.
    • Four main ways to transfer signals between cells: endocrine, paracrine, neuronal, and contact-dependent.

    Endocrine Signaling

    • Hormones produced in endocrine glands are released into the bloodstream and travel to distant target cells to initiate a response.

    Paracrine Signaling

    • Cells release local mediators into the extracellular fluid, affecting nearby target cells.

    Neuronal Signaling

    • Signals are transmitted along axons to distant target cells, often via neurotransmitters released at synapses.

    Contact-Dependent Signaling

    • Cell-surface-bound signal molecules bind to receptor proteins on adjacent cells, initiating a response.

    Cellular Responses

    • Each cell type has a specific set of receptor proteins allowing it to respond only to certain extracellular signalling molecules.
    • Multiple signalling molecules can interact to regulate cellular behavior.

    Classes of Extracellular Signaling Molecules

    • Two classes: cell-surface receptors and intracellular receptors.
    • Cell-surface receptors are associated or embedded in the plasma membrane; intracellular receptors are located inside the cell (e.g. in the cytoplasm or the nucleus).

    Cell Surface Receptors Relay Signals Via intracellular Signaling Pathways

    • A signal from the cell surface receptor is relayed inside the target cell through intracellular signalling molecules.
    • This process ultimately alters the activity of effector proteins.

    Intracellular Signaling Proteins Act as Molecular Switches

    • Molecular switches are turned on or off, allowing cells to reset these proteins.
    • Two classes: protein phosphorylation (addition/removal of phosphate groups) and GTP-binding proteins (binding to GTP or GDP).

    Cell Surface Receptors Fall Into Three Main Classes

    • Ion-channel-coupled receptors -respond to binding of a signal molecule by opening or closing a channel thereby allowing the flow of ions across the membrane to change the membrane potential thus producing an electrical current.
    • G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) - activated receptor signals GTP binding protein (G protein) on the inside of the plasma membrane, either switching an enzyme or an ion channel on or off.
    • Enzyme-coupled receptors - Receptor own enzyme activity or associates with enzymes.

    G-Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

    • Most frequent targets for G proteins are the enzymes: adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C.
    • These enzymes create second messengers that are involved in intracellular signalling.
    • Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a crucial second messenger. It increases rapidly in response to extracellular signals.
    • cAMP activates cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase (PKA).
    • PKA affects downstream effects (e.g. glycogen breakdown in skeletal muscle).
    • Other second messengers are produced by phospholipase C, such as inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), and diacylglycerol (DAG).

    Receptors Are Often Targets For Chemicals

    • Multiple chemical substances (e.g. barbiturates, nicotine, morphine) can either activate or block cell surface receptors.

    Some Hormones Can Cross the Plasma Membrane and Bind Intracellular Receptors

    • Steroid Hormones (e.g. cortisol) are hydrophobic molecules that pass through the plasma membrane and bind to intracellular receptors within the cytoplasm or nucleus, thus affecting gene expression.

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    Description

    Explore the intricate processes of cell communication, including various signaling mechanisms and the different types of extracellular signal molecules. This quiz covers the fundamentals of endocrine, paracrine, neuronal, and contact-dependent signaling pathways, essential for understanding cellular interactions in multicellular organisms.

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