Front

What is the function of phosphodiesterase in cell signaling?

Back

Phosphodiesterase converts cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) to AMP (adenosine monophosphate), thus terminating the signaling pathway initiated by cAMP.

Front

What is a ligand in the context of cell communication?

Back

A ligand is a signaling molecule that binds to a receptor to initiate a cellular response.

Front

True or False: All signals and receptors are the same in all cells.

Back

False. Different cells can have different signals and receptors, leading to varied responses.

Front

What is an example of paracrine signaling in animals?

Back

Growth factors are an example of paracrine signaling, where signals affect nearby cells.

Front

What type of receptors are Gated Ion Channels?

Back

Gated ion channels are a type of receptor that opens or closes in response to specific stimuli, allowing ions to flow across the membrane.

Front

Define autocrine signaling.

Back

Autocrine signaling occurs when a cell secretes a signaling molecule that binds to receptors on its own surface, affecting its own activity.

Front

What role do receptors play in cell signaling?

Back

Receptors are proteins that receive and bind to signaling molecules (ligands), triggering a response in the cell.

Front

What is the difference between endocrine and paracrine signaling?

Back

Endocrine signaling involves hormones released into the bloodstream to affect distant cells, while paracrine signaling involves local signaling to nearby cells.

Front

What is the significance of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)?

Back

GPCRs are a large family of receptors that play a key role in transmitting signals from outside the cell to the inside, influencing various cellular responses.

Front

What is signal transduction?

Back

Signal transduction is the process by which a cell converts an external signal into a functional response, often involving a series of molecular events.