Front

What is the role of secondary messengers in cell signaling pathways?

Back

Secondary messengers amplify the signal from a receptor and help transmit it within the cell, leading to a cellular response.

Front

What happens when a medicine blocks a secondary messenger?

Back

It inhibits transduction, thus deactivating the response in the cell signaling pathway.

Front

What are protein phosphatases and their function?

Back

Protein phosphatases are enzymes that remove phosphate groups from proteins, which can deactivate signaling pathways and regulate the cell cycle.

Front

What is the consequence of defective protein phosphatases?

Back

Cancerous cells would take advantage and grow uncontrollably because the cell cycle cannot shut down.

Front

Define negative feedback in biological systems.

Back

Negative feedback is a process that counteracts a change in a system, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Front

How does negative feedback differ from positive feedback?

Back

Negative feedback works to reverse a change in a system, while positive feedback amplifies a change.

Front

What are plasmodesmata?

Back

Plasmodesmata are junctions in the cell wall of plant cells that allow for the exchange of small soluble compounds between neighboring cells.

Front

What is the function of ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) in the body?

Back

ADH promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys, helping to regulate water balance in the bloodstream.

Front

What type of feedback mechanism is represented by the release of ADH when dehydrated?

Back

Negative feedback.

Front

What are gap junctions?

Back

Gap junctions are specialized intercellular connections that allow for direct communication between animal cells.