AP Biology Unit 4 Review

Front

What is a secondary messenger in cell signaling?

Back

A secondary messenger is a molecule that transmits signals from a receptor to target molecules inside the cell, amplifying the signal and leading to a cellular response.

Front

What is the role of ligands in cell signaling?

Back

Ligands are signaling molecules that bind to receptors on target cells, initiating a response in the cell.

Front

What happens during signal transduction?

Back

Signal transduction is the process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response, often involving a series of molecular events.

Front

What is the significance of receptor specificity in hormone action?

Back

Receptor specificity ensures that only target cells with the appropriate receptors respond to a hormone, preventing unintended effects on other cells.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A phosphorylation cascade is a series of chemical reactions in which a protein is activated by the addition of a phosphate group, leading to a chain reaction that amplifies the signal.

Front

How do secondary messengers amplify a signal?

Back

Secondary messengers amplify a signal by activating multiple downstream targets, leading to a greater cellular response than the initial signal.

Front

What is the function of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)?

Back

GPCRs are a large family of receptors that detect molecules outside the cell and activate internal signal transduction pathways.

Front

What occurs when a ligand binds to its receptor?

Back

When a ligand binds to its receptor, it causes a conformational change in the receptor, which activates the receptor and initiates a signaling cascade.

Front

What is the role of transcription in cell signaling?

Back

Transcription is the process by which genetic information is copied from DNA to mRNA, leading to the production of proteins that carry out cellular responses.

Front

What are the common final responses in a signal transduction pathway?

Back

Common final responses include changes in gene expression, activation of enzymes, and alterations in cell behavior.