AP Bio Insta-Review Topic 4.4*: Changes in Signal Transduction

Front

What is signal transduction?

Back

Signal transduction is the process by which a cell responds to external signals through a series of molecular events, leading to a cellular response.

Front

What role do relay molecules play in signal transduction?

Back

Relay molecules transmit signals from receptors to target molecules within the cell, amplifying and propagating the signal.

Front

How can mutations in relay molecules affect cellular responses?

Back

Mutations in relay molecules can disrupt the normal signaling pathway, leading to altered or inappropriate cellular responses.

Front

What is the function of receptors in signal transduction?

Back

Receptors are proteins that detect and bind to signaling molecules (ligands), initiating the signal transduction process.

Front

What happens when a receptor changes?

Back

A change in the receptor can alter its ability to bind to ligands, affecting the cell's response to signals.

Front

What is a competitive inhibitor?

Back

A competitive inhibitor is a substance that binds to the active site of an enzyme, preventing the substrate from binding and inhibiting the enzyme's activity.

Front

What is an allosteric inhibitor?

Back

An allosteric inhibitor binds to a site other than the active site on an enzyme, causing a change in the enzyme's shape and reducing its activity.

Front

What is a noncompetitive inhibitor?

Back

A noncompetitive inhibitor binds to an enzyme regardless of whether the substrate is present, inhibiting the enzyme's function.

Front

What is the significance of signal amplification in signal transduction?

Back

Signal amplification allows a small number of signaling molecules to produce a large cellular response, enhancing the effectiveness of the signal.

Front

What is the role of second messengers in signal transduction?

Back

Second messengers are small molecules that relay signals received by receptors to target molecules inside the cell, facilitating the cellular response.