Cell Signaling
Components
Signaling Molecules: an agent that influences the activities
of a cell
Promoters, Enhancer, and Terminators
Transported in animals through the circulatory system
Ex: Insulin tells the liver to store glucose as glycogen
Receptor Molecules: Proteins activated by a specific signal
Will only interact with the signaling molecule that fits
Signal Transduction Pathway: series of relay proteins or
enzymes that amplify and transform the signal to one
understood by the machinery of the cell
Altered shape or movement
Altered metabolism or cellular function
Altered gene expression and the types and amount of
proteins produced
General Steps
1. Binding of the signal
2. Transduction of the signal
3. Response of the cell depending on what type protein
is targeted
Gene Expression
Operons
Tumor Suppressors
Mutations in Cell Signaling
Tumors
Cancer
Senses
Pheromones: a chemical signal in low concentration that
is passed between members of the same species
Communication: action by a sender that may influence the
behavior of a receiver
Auditory
Visual
Tactile
Verbal
Plant Responses
Cytokinins: promotes cell division
Gibberellins: regulates growth
Auxins: growth hormone
Neurotransmitters
• Acetylcholine
• Epinephrine
• Norepinephrine • Dopamine
• Serotonin
• GABA
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/chnt1.html
Examples
Insulin
Testosterone
Growth Hormones
Estrogen
Thyroid Hormones
Immune System