AP Bio Unit 4: Signal Transduction Pathways Flashcard

Front

What is the role of cAMP in signal transduction?

Back

cAMP acts as a secondary messenger that activates multiple protein kinases, amplifying the signal within the cell.

Front

How does the structure of G-proteins facilitate their function?

Back

The G-protein's subunits allow it to change shape and activate other proteins, playing a crucial role in signal transduction.

Front

What is phosphorylation and its significance in signal transduction?

Back

Phosphorylation is the addition of a phosphate group to a protein, which activates enzymes like phosphorylase, leading to signal propagation.

Front

How does ligand binding affect G-protein receptors?

Back

Ligand binding causes a conformational change in the G-protein receptor, activating the alpha subunit and initiating the signal transduction pathway.

Front

What is the significance of converting ATP to cAMP in signal transduction?

Back

The conversion of ATP to cAMP amplifies the signal within the cell, enhancing the cellular response.

Front

Define signal transduction pathway.

Back

A signal transduction pathway is a series of molecular events and interactions that lead to a cellular response following the binding of a signaling molecule to a receptor.

Front

What is a secondary messenger?

Back

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

Front

Explain the function of adenylyl cyclase in signal transduction.

Back

Adenylyl cyclase converts ATP to cAMP, which acts as a secondary messenger to propagate the signal within the cell.

Front

What is the role of protein kinases in signal transduction?

Back

Protein kinases are enzymes that add phosphate groups to proteins, which can activate or deactivate the target proteins, thus regulating cellular activities.

Front

Describe the process of receptor activation in signal transduction.

Back

Receptor activation occurs when a signaling molecule binds to a receptor, causing a conformational change that initiates the signal transduction cascade.