Front

What is signal amplification in cell signaling?

Back

Signal amplification is the process by which a small number of signaling molecules can produce a large response in the target cell, often achieved through an enzyme cascade.

Front

What role does a protein kinase play in cell signaling?

Back

A protein kinase is an enzyme that transfers phosphate groups from ATP to specific proteins, thereby activating or deactivating them.

Front

What are second messengers in cell signaling?

Back

Second messengers are small molecules that relay signals received at cell surface receptors to target molecules inside the cell, amplifying the signal.

Front

How does a protein kinase activate a protein?

Back

A protein kinase activates a protein by transferring a phosphate group to it, which can change the protein's shape and function.

Front

What is a G protein?

Back

A G protein is a relay protein located on the cytoplasmic side of a membrane that transmits signals from activated receptors to other proteins inside the cell.

Front

What is the function of adenylyl cyclase in cell signaling?

Back

Adenylyl cyclase converts ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP), a second messenger that activates protein kinases and amplifies the signal.

Front

What is the difference between a protein kinase and a protein phosphatase?

Back

A protein kinase adds phosphate groups to proteins, while a protein phosphatase removes phosphate groups from proteins.

Front

What is the role of cAMP in cell signaling?

Back

cAMP acts as a second messenger that relays signals from cell surface receptors to target proteins, activating protein kinases.

Front

What is the significance of branching pathways in signal transduction?

Back

Branching pathways allow a single signaling molecule to activate multiple downstream effects, leading to a more diverse cellular response.

Front

How do membrane receptors initiate a signal transduction pathway?

Back

Membrane receptors bind to signaling molecules (ligands), causing a conformational change that activates intracellular signaling cascades.