Cell Communication Fundamentals
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Cell Communication Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of intracellular communication?

  • To enable direct passage of molecules between cells
  • To allow hormones to function as neurotransmitters
  • To propagate signals and regulate cellular responses (correct)
  • To regulate communication between distant organs
  • Which of the following best describes intercellular communication mechanisms?

  • Propagation of signals using second messengers like cAMP
  • Direct cell-to-cell connections enabling molecular transfer (correct)
  • Activation of ligand gated ion channels within target cells
  • Regulation of transcription factors within a single cell
  • Which example illustrates paracrine signaling?

  • Cells releasing factors affecting nearby cells in the same tissue (correct)
  • Hormones traveling in the bloodstream to distant targets
  • Endocrine glands releasing hormones into the lymphatic system
  • A nerve signal triggering muscle contraction locally
  • Which molecules are considered second messengers in signaling pathways?

    <p>Calcium ions and cAMP</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of receptor is most likely to be involved in gene expression regulation via intracellular communication?

    <p>Intracellular receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about signal transduction pathways is accurate?

    <p>They amplify the initial signal to elicit a cellular response.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of communication involves the release of hormones that travel through the bloodstream?

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

    What is the role of receptors in intercellular communication?

    <p>To initiate intracellular cascades in response to external signals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the immediate consequence of ligand binding to EGFR?

    <p>Dimerization of EGFR</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which protein is directly recruited to the phosphorylated tyrosines on EGFR?

    <p>Grb2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which protein facilitates the exchange of GDP for GTP on Ras?

    <p>Sos</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does ERK play after being activated in the MAP kinase cascade?

    <p>It phosphorylates transcription factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is recognized as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment related to the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway?

    <p>PTEN</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs after GTP binds to the G-protein?

    <p>The α subunit dissociates from the βγ complex.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which G-protein subunit is responsible for activating adenylate cyclase?

    <p>Gαs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is produced when phospholipase C hydrolyzes PIP2?

    <p>IP3 and DAG</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of IP3 in calcium signaling?

    <p>It triggers the release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the action of DAG?

    <p>It activates protein kinase C.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process does cAMP primarily regulate?

    <p>Protein phosphorylation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does guanylyl cyclase convert GTP into when activated?

    <p>cGMP</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which G-protein subunit must dissociate to initiate downstream signaling?

    <p>Gα subunit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) have on cells?

    <p>It can influence cell growth and differentiation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is true?

    <p>RTKs undergo dimerization upon ligand binding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the intrinsic GTPase activity of a G-protein?

    <p>It hydrolyzes GTP to GDP, inactivating the protein.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which role does cGMP primarily serve once produced by guanylyl cyclase?

    <p>It phosphorylates target proteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the release of calcium from the endoplasmic reticulum trigger?

    <p>Increased intracellular signaling pathways</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of receptors are activated by natriuretic peptides and nitric oxide?

    <p>Guanylyl Cyclase Receptors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which cellular process does cGMP not play a role?

    <p>Muscle contraction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) structure is responsible for autophosphorylation?

    <p>Intracellular tyrosine kinase domain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the autophosphorylation of RTKs?

    <p>Creation of docking sites for signaling proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initiates the Ras-MAP kinase cascade through the EGFR receptor?

    <p>Dimerization of the receptor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does an activated soluble guanylyl cyclase produce upon binding with nitric oxide?

    <p>cGMP</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of RTKs?

    <p>Nucleotide metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism distinguishes ligand-gated ion channels from G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)?

    <p>GPCRs initiate a signaling cascade through G protein activation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the response time of ligand-gated ion channels compared to GPCRs?

    <p>Ligand-gated ion channels respond very quickly, in milliseconds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following ions enters a cell through the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor causing depolarization?

    <p>Na⁺</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of G proteins in the context of G protein-coupled receptors?

    <p>They trigger various intracellular signaling cascades.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does signal amplification occur with G protein-coupled receptors?

    <p>It occurs through multiple steps in a signaling cascade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the structure of G protein-coupled receptors?

    <p>A single polypeptide chain that spans the membrane seven times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which receptor is known for allowing Cl⁻ ions to enter the cell, leading to hyperpolarization?

    <p>GABA-A receptor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Regarding receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), what is their primary function?

    <p>To autophosphorylate and phosphorylate downstream proteins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately differentiates the effects of ligand-gated ion channels and GPCRs?

    <p>Ligand-gated ion channels have a direct and immediate effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a cell when a ligand binds to a ligand-gated ion channel?

    <p>The ion flow across the membrane changes, altering the cell's electrical potential.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Cell Communication Fundamentals

    • Cellular communication involves detecting, interpreting, and responding to signals from the environment, crucial for homeostasis and growth coordination.
    • Intracellular Communication refers to signaling within a single cell, using mechanisms like:
      • Signal Transduction Pathways: Triggered by signals (e.g., hormones), leading to cellular responses.
      • Second Messengers: Molecules such as cAMP and Ca²⁺ that amplify and propagate signals internally.
      • Gene Expression Regulation: Alteration of gene expression through activated transcription factors.
    • Intercellular Communication involves signaling between cells, utilizing:
      • Signal Molecules: Include hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines.
      • Receptors: Proteins that bind signals to initiate responses.
      • Junctions: Gap junctions for direct intercellular connections allowing molecule exchange.

    Mechanisms of Communication

    • Intercellular Examples:
      • Paracrine Signaling: Nearby cells are influenced by signaling molecules.
      • Endocrine Signaling: Hormones travel through the bloodstream to distant targets.
    • Intracellular Mechanisms:
      • Calcium Signaling: Essential for processes like muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release upon Ca²⁺ mobilization.
      • cAMP Pathway: Involves activation of protein kinase A (PKA) leading to protein phosphorylation.

    G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)

    • GPCRs feature seven transmembrane domains, activating intracellular pathways via G protein interactions.
    • Response time is slower compared to ligand-gated channels, facilitating prolonged cellular responses.
    • Signal Amplification: GPCRs can amplify signals through complex cascades, unlike rapid responses seen in ligand-gated channels.

    Catalytic Receptors

    • Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs): Possess intrinsic kinase activity, autophosphorylate on tyrosine residues after ligand binding.
    • Important in mediating signals from growth factors, leading to cell growth and differentiation.

    Guanylyl Cyclase Receptors

    • Convert GTP to cyclic GMP (cGMP) when activated, crucial in processes like vasodilation and smooth muscle relaxation.
    • Two forms: Membrane-bound and soluble guanylyl cyclases.

    Receptor Activation and Ras-MAP Pathway

    • EGFR Activation: EGFR dimerizes post-ligand binding, leading to phosphorylated tyrosines that recruit adaptor proteins.
    • Activated Ras initiates the MAP kinase cascade, regulating gene expression vital for cell proliferation and survival.

    Clinical Relevance

    • Dysregulated RTK signaling is linked to cancer and Alzheimer's disease, showcasing the importance of these pathways in disease pathology.

    PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathway

    • Key components include PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), AKT, Foxo, and mTOR, involved in regulating cell growth and survival.
    • PTEN (a tumor suppressor) and mTOR inhibitors are potential cancer therapy targets.

    Nuclear Receptors

    • Interact with steroid hormones to mediate gene transcription.
    • Examples include androgen receptors and thyronine receptors vital for growth, metabolism, and developmental processes.

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    Description

    Explore the key concepts of cellular communication, focusing on both intracellular and intercellular signaling mechanisms. Understand how signals are detected and interpreted to maintain homeostasis and coordinate growth through various pathways and molecules. This quiz encompasses essential topics like signal transduction, second messengers, and more.

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