Cell Communication: Hormones and Neurotransmitters

Professor Dave explains how cells communicate through signaling pathways, including autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling. He discusses the roles of hormones and neurotransmitters, their solubility, and how they interact with receptors to elicit cellular responses. The video also covers the endocrine system's role in maintaining bodily functions and how it works with the nervous system to ensure organism survival.

What is the primary role of receptors in cell communication?

• To transport nutrients across the cell membrane

• To bind with substrates and initiate signal transduction

• To produce energy for the cell

• To store genetic information

Which type of signaling involves a cell secreting signaling molecules that bind to receptors on the same cell?

• Paracrine signaling

• Endocrine signaling

• Autocrine signaling

• Synaptic signaling

What is the main function of growth factors in paracrine signaling?

• To stimulate cell division

• To trigger cell death

• To inhibit cell division

• To transport hormones

How do water-soluble hormones typically interact with target cells?

• By binding to receptors on the cell surface

• By dissolving in the cell's cytoplasm

• By passing through the cell membrane directly

• By entering the nucleus directly

What is the role of transport proteins in the transmission of lipid-soluble hormones?

• To store the hormones in the cell

• To bind the hormones to cell surface receptors

• To degrade the hormones

• To make the hormones water-soluble

Which hormone is known to increase blood flow to skeletal muscles during stress?

• Cortisol

• Insulin

• Oxytocin

• Epinephrine

What is a common feature of nuclear receptors that interact with lipid-soluble hormones?

• They are responsible for cell division

• They are involved in protein synthesis

• They act as transcription factors

• They are located on the cell surface