Cell Signaling: Communication and Transduction

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main reasons cells communicate with each other?

To fight against pathogens

To undergo apoptosis

To escape from the immune system

To regulate their development into tissues (correct)

Which type of signaling involves the release of signaling molecules into the bloodstream?

Paracrine signaling

Autocrine signaling

Endocrine signaling (correct)

Juxtacrine signaling

What is necessary for a cell to be considered a target cell?

The presence of a signaling molecule

The presence of a nucleus

The presence of a receptor (correct)

The presence of a ligand

In which type of signaling do signaling and receptor molecules remain part of the cell surface?

Juxtacrine signaling Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a cell signal binds to a receptor of a receiving cell?

A mechanism takes place (signal transduction) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for communicating junctions that allow direct cell-to-cell communication?

Gap Junctions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of signaling involves the release of signaling molecules that act only on local cells?

Paracrine signaling Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for signaling molecules released by the same type of cell having the receptor?

Autocrine signals Signup and view all the answers

Why is juxtacrine signaling important in embryonic life and development?

It plays a crucial role in development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the G-protein in G-Protein coupled receptors?

To attach to the receptor and activate an effector protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of hydrophobic transduction molecules binding to intracellular receptors?

Activation of mechanisms and cascades in the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the contact areas through which neurotransmitters act on adjacent cells?

Synapses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cell membrane?

To separate the interior of the cell from the extracellular space Signup and view all the answers

What type of receptors are controlled by ligands that bind to receptors?

Channel-linked receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a hydrophobic transduction molecule?

Estrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of hydrophobic molecules passing through the phospholipid bilayer?

Diuse through Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cell membrane in cellular processes?

Involved in a variety of cellular processes such as cell adhesion, ion conductivity, and cell signaling Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative name for the cell membrane?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Signaling: Why and How?

Cells communicate with each other to regulate their development into tissues, control their growth and division, and coordinate their functions.
Cell signaling occurs through communicating junctions (gap junctions, nexus) and signaling molecules.

Cell Signaling Types

Endocrine signaling: Endocrine molecules released by endocrine cells bind to receptors in receiving cells via the bloodstream.
Paracrine signaling: Chemical mediators are rapidly metabolized, acting only on local cells close to the source.
Juxtacrine signaling: Signaling and receptor molecules remain on the cell surface, requiring direct physical contact between cells, important in embryonic life and development.
Autocrine signaling: Signaling molecules are released by the same cell type, having the receptor, but not necessarily the same cell.
Synaptic signaling (neuronal): A special type of paracrine interaction, where neurotransmitters act only on adjacent cells through synapses.

Receptors

Channel-linked receptors: Controlled by ligands that bind to receptors, opening or closing channels.
Enzymatic receptors: Control enzymes by turning them on or off when the ligand binds to the receptor.
G-Protein coupled receptors: The most common type, where G-protein attaches to a receptor bound with a ligand, then activates an effector protein.

Hydrophobic Transduction Molecules

Hydrophobic molecules: Can easily pass through the phospholipid bilayer, including estrogen and progesterone.
These molecules bind to intracellular receptors, activating mechanisms and cascades in the cell, demonstrating a function of the cell membrane: communication.

Cell Membrane

The cell membrane separates the interior of all cells from the extracellular space, protecting the cell from its environment.
Cell membranes are involved in various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, ion conductivity, and cell signaling.
They serve as the attachment surface for several extracellular structures.

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Description

Learn about cell signaling, its importance, and how it occurs. Understand the roles of sending and target cells, and the methods of communication, including signaling molecules and communicating junctions.