Unit 4 - Topic 1, 2, 3, and 4 Flashcard

Front

What is the process by which neurons communicate with each other?

Back

Neurons communicate by releasing neurotransmitters from their axon terminals into the synaptic cleft, where they bind to receptors on the dendrites of other neurons, a process known as synaptic signaling.

Front

What role do G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) play in cell signaling?

Back

GPCRs activate associated G proteins upon ligand binding, leading to the exchange of GDP for GTP, which amplifies the signal and triggers a cellular response.

Front

What is the function of phosphorylation in cell signaling?

Back

Phosphorylation by protein kinases activates proteins by adding a phosphate group, relaying signals within the cell and triggering a cellular response.

Front

What are second messengers and what is their role in signal transduction?

Back

Second messengers, like cAMP, relay and amplify signals from receptors to other intracellular molecules, facilitating the cellular response.

Front

What does the term 'regulation of gene expression' refer to?

Back

Regulation of gene expression refers to the control of the timing and amount of gene transcription, influencing how genes are expressed in response to signals.

Front

What is exocytosis in the context of neurotransmitter release?

Back

Exocytosis is the process by which neurons release neurotransmitters from their axon terminals into the synaptic cleft.

Front

How do neurotransmitters affect the postsynaptic neuron?

Back

Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron's dendrites, leading to changes in the neuron's membrane potential and potentially triggering an action potential.

Front

What is the significance of GTP in G Protein signaling?

Back

GTP is crucial in G Protein signaling as it activates the G protein, allowing it to relay the signal downstream in the signaling pathway.

Front

What is the difference between synaptic signaling and endocrine signaling?

Back

Synaptic signaling is local and occurs between neurons, while endocrine signaling involves hormones released into the bloodstream affecting distant target cells.

Front

What is the role of protein kinases in signal transduction pathways?

Back

Protein kinases phosphorylate target proteins, which can activate or deactivate them, thus propagating the signal within the cell.