Cell Signaling and Meiosis Quiz

Cell division that reduces chromosome number from diploid (2n) to haploid (n) in sexually reproducing organisms.

The shuffling of genetic material during meiosis, resulting in offspring with new combinations of traits.

The fusion of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

A cell containing one set of chromosomes (n).

A cell containing two sets of chromosomes (2n).

The chromosomes stay the same, even though the cell divides.

Each cell has half the number of chromosomes because the cell divides, but the chromosomes stay the same.

A chromosome that has only one copy of each gene.

It happens twice because at the start, each cell has 4 chromatids (2 diploid chromosomes).

The sister chromatids separate and move to different daughter cells, which were created after the first division in Meiosis 1.

A type of cell signaling where signaling molecules are released locally from a signaling cell and act on neighboring target cells.

A signaling pathway where a ligand binds to a tyrosine kinase receptor, causing it to dimerize and become activated. The activated receptor then phosphorylates relay proteins, initiating a signaling cascade.

A signaling pathway where cAMP acts as a secondary messenger. It is activated by relay proteins and activates protein kinase A, which starts a phosphorylation cascade.

A chain reaction of phosphorylation where a series of protein kinases activate each other by adding phosphate groups.

The final protein kinase in a signaling cascade may activate a protein that modifies the cytoskeleton, leading to changes in cell shape and function.

Cells in a multicellular organism need to communicate to coordinate their activities and ensure proper functioning of the organism.

Cell communication allows for specialized tasks, coordinated responses to changes in the environment, and overall organismal function.

Cells send messages using chemical signals, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules.

Examples of cell messages include instructions to grow, divide, produce specific proteins, or change their behavior.

Cells can respond to the same message in different ways depending on their specific type and function.

A specialized type of cell signaling in the nervous system where a nerve cell releases neurotransmitter across a synapse to stimulate a target cell.

A signaling molecule that acts only on nearby cells in paracrine signaling.

A chemical messenger released by nerve cells in synaptic signaling that transmits signals across synapses.

Paracrine signaling uses local regulators to communicate with nearby cells, while synaptic signaling uses neurotransmitters to communicate across a synapse between nerve cells and target cells.

A communication process where signals travel long distances within an organism, often through the bloodstream.

A type of cell signaling where hormones travel long distances through the bloodstream to reach target cells.

A type of long-distance signaling where specialized cells release hormones into the bloodstream, which then travel to target cells.

A chemical messenger produced by endocrine cells that travels through the bloodstream to target cells, triggering specific responses.

Signaling molecules used in endocrine signaling.

A cell that has receptors for a specific hormone, allowing it to respond to that hormone's signal.

The medium used to transport hormones in endocrine signaling.

The hormone binds to a specific receptor on the target cell, initiating a chain of events that leads to a specific response within that cell.

A series of steps that a cell takes to respond to a signal from its environment. It involves receiving the signal, converting it to an internal signal, and initiating a response.

The first step in a signal transduction pathway, where a signaling molecule binds to a receptor protein on the cell membrane.

The process of converting a signal from one form to another within a cell, typically involving a cascade of relay molecules.

The final action that a cell takes in response to a signal. This can include changes in gene expression, protein activity, or cell behavior.

Molecules that carry the signal within a cell during transduction, acting as intermediates in the pathway.

A cellular signaling pathway involving G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that transmits signals from outside the cell to inside, leading to a cellular response.

The process in which a signaling molecule binds to a GPCR, activating the receptor and triggering a series of events within the cell.

The relay of a signal within a cell, where the activated receptor interacts with a G protein, causing it to exchange GDP for GTP and become active.

The activated G protein triggers a cellular response by activating an enzyme that catalyzes a specific reaction in the cell.

The process that stops the signaling cascade by hydrolyzing GTP back to GDP, deactivating the G protein and returning the system to its inactive state.

A signaling molecule that binds to a receptor on the cell surface, initiating a signaling pathway. Examples include proteins that stimulate cell growth and division.

A protein on the cell membrane that specifically binds to a growth factor, triggering a signal transduction pathway inside the cell.

A protein that binds to DNA, controlling the expression of genes. It turns genes on or off depending on the signal received.

DNA contains the genetic instructions for protein synthesis. The activated transcription factor in a signaling pathway binds to specific regions of DNA, initiating the transcription of target genes.

mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. The mRNA produced in response to a signal is used to create proteins that carry out the cell's response.

A signaling pathway ultimately leads to changes in gene expression within the cell's nucleus, causing a specific cellular response, for example, growth, differentiation, or response to stimuli.