In general, a ligand will activate a receptor and cause a specific response. These complexities, in effect, demand a diverse collection of receptor-mediated pathways that execute their unique functions. Moreover, thanks to the concerted efforts of our cells via their signaling molecules, our body is able to orchestrate the many complexities that maintain life. Finally, the response, which is the resulting cellular responses.Ĭell signaling serves a vital purpose in allowing our cells to carry out life as we know it.Then, signal transduction, which is where the chemical signal results in a series of enzyme activations.First, reception, whereby the signal molecule binds the receptor.In effect, signal transduction is said to have three stages: This signal is then received by a “target” cell. Three Stages of Cell SignalingĪt its core cell signaling can simply be described as the production of a “signal” by one cell. In response to stimuli like light, odors, or touch, the gland can, in turn, release a hormone that activates responses in diverse body systems to coordinate a response to a threat or opportunity. Each target cell will have the required receptors, as in the image below: Hormones Affecting Target CellsĬell signaling is how a tiny gland within the brain can react to external stimuli and coordinate a response. This allows certain glands within the body to produce signals which take action on many different tissues across the body. On the other hand, intercellular signals can travel all throughout the body. Intracellular signals are produced by the same cell that receives the signal. Some forms of cell signaling are intracellular, while others are intercellular.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |