1.
Briefly (and in easy to understand English) describe the methods of local and long distance
signaling in animals.
a. Long: cells release hormones that go to target cells via circulatory system
b. Short/local: Paracrine (growth factors, synaptic signaling in nervous system when
neurotransmitter is released b/c electric signal), direct contact (cell junctions connected to
cytoplasm of adjacent cells, signal substances in cytosol pass between them), and direct
contact between cell surface molecules
2. How can plants and animals affect neighboring cells directly?
a. It supports embryonic development, immune response, and maintaining adult stem cell
populations
b. They have tunnels like the plasmodesmata to send signals to neighboring cells
3. List and explain the three stages of a signal transduction pathway.
a. Signal Reception - target cell finds signal molecule that binds to receptor protein on cell
surface
b. Signal transduction - the binding alters the receptor and starts a signal transduction pathway
c. Cellular response - transduced signal triggers a specific response in the target cell
4. What is a ligand, and what part does it play in signal transduction?
a. A ligand is a word used to describe a molecule that binds to another molecule that’s usually
larger
b. “Ligand binding generally causes a receptor protein to undergo a change in shape. For many
receptors, this shape change directly activates the receptor, enabling it to interact with other
cellular molecules. For other kinds of receptors, the immediate effect of ligand binding is to
cause the aggregation of two or more receptor molecules, which leads to further molecular
events inside the cell.”
5. G protein linked receptors, tyrosine kinase receptors, and gated ion channels and intracellular
receptors are all used in the reception part of the signal transduction pathway. In easy to
understand language, choose one of these pathways and explain how it works. You might want
to wait to do this until you identify the cause of the disease you will be studying.
6. What is a protein kinase? How does a protein kinase cascade work? What does it do to the
original signal?
1. What is the role of cyclic AMP or calcium ions in signal transduction?
a. cyclic AMP is a compound whose concentration elevates when the epinephrine binds the
plasma membrane of a liver cell
b. Second messengers, such as the small molecule cyclic AMP (cAMP) and the ion Ca2 , diffuse
readily through the cytosol and thus help broadcast signals quickly
2. What does a cell do when it receives a signal? Specifically, what kinds of cellular processes are
altered upon receipt of a signal?
“Upon receipt of a signal, various cellular processes can be altered in order to respond to the signal
appropriately. Here are a few examples of cellular processes that can be affected:
1. Gene expression: Signals can induce changes in gene expression, leading to the production of
specific proteins or the inhibition of certain genes. For instance, a signal may activate transcription
factors that bind to DNA and initiate the transcription of specific genes. This can result in the
production of proteins that are involved in the signal response.
2. Cell signaling pathways: Signals can activate or inhibit specific signaling pathways within the cell.
These pathways consist of a series of molecular events that transmit the signal from the cell surface
to the nucleus, leading to changes in cellular behavior. Examples of signaling pathways include the
MAPK pathway and the PI3K/Akt pathway, which regulate cell proliferation, survival, and
differentiation.
3. Metabolism: Signals can alter metabolic processes within the cell. For instance, signals such as
hormones or nutrients can activate enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, leading to increased or
decreased production of certain metabolites. This can affect energy production, nutrient uptake, and
storage within the cell.
4. Cell movement and shape changes: Signals can trigger cellular responses that involve changes in
cell shape or movement. For example, signals can activate cytoskeletal rearrangements, leading to cell
migration or changes in cell shape. These processes are important for various cellular functions, such
as wound healing, immune responses, and embryonic development.
It is important to note that the specific cellular processes that are altered upon receipt of a signal can
vary depending on the type of signal, the cell type, and the context of the signal. These processes
work together to ensure that the cell responds appropriately to its environment and maintains
homeostasis.” - Brainly
