AP Biology--Cell Communication & Feedback

Front

What is a ligand?

Back

A signal molecule that binds to a plasma-membrane protein.

Front

What is transduction in cell communication?

Back

The process of converting a chemical signal into a cellular response.

Front

How is signal amplification achieved in cell signaling?

Back

Most often through a phosphorylation cascade.

Front

What determines if a cell is a target for a signal molecule?

Back

The presence of specific signal receptors on the cell.

Front

Where can receptors for signal molecules be found?

Back

They may be embedded in the plasma membrane or found within the cytoplasm or nucleus.

Front

What is a second messenger?

Back

A molecule that relays signals received at receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell.

Front

What role do protein kinases play in cell signaling?

Back

They are enzymes that modify other proteins by chemically adding phosphate groups to them.

Front

What is a phosphorylation cascade?

Back

A series of chemical reactions during cell signaling where one enzyme activates another, leading to a cellular response.

Front

What is the function of cAMP in cell signaling?

Back

cAMP acts as a second messenger that transmits signals from receptors to target molecules inside the cell.

Front

What is the difference between a primary messenger and a secondary messenger?

Back

Primary messengers are the initial signal molecules (like hormones), while secondary messengers are molecules that relay and amplify the signal inside the cell.