AP Bio Practices Cell Signaling

Front

What is a ligand-gated ion channel?

Back

A type of membrane receptor that opens to allow ions to flow through when a specific ligand binds to it.

Front

How does a ligand-gated ion channel function?

Back

When the ligand binds to the receptor, the gate opens, allowing ions to flow through.

Front

What is the role of ligands in cell signaling?

Back

Ligands are molecules that bind to receptors to initiate a signaling pathway.

Front

Why do only certain cells respond to specific ligands?

Back

Only targeted cells have the specific receptors that can bind to that ligand.

Front

What is phosphorylation in the context of cell signaling?

Back

Phosphorylation is the addition of a phosphate group (from ATP or GTP) to a molecule, which can activate or deactivate signaling pathways.

Front

What happens if phosphorylation does not occur in a signaling pathway?

Back

The ligand may bind, but the signaling pathway will not proceed through the transduction step.

Front

What is paracrine signaling?

Back

A local chemical signaling system where signaling molecules are sent from a signaling cell to nearby target cells.

Front

What is the difference between paracrine signaling and endocrine signaling?

Back

Paracrine signaling involves local signaling to nearby cells, while endocrine signaling involves hormones traveling through the bloodstream to distant target cells.

Front

What are the main types of membrane receptors?

Back

The main types include ligand-gated ion channels, G-protein coupled receptors, and enzyme-linked receptors.

Front

What is the significance of receptor specificity in cell signaling?

Back

Receptor specificity ensures that only certain cells respond to particular signals, allowing for targeted responses.