How Cells Talk

Cells sense and respond to their environment through signal transduction pathways. These pathways transmit signals from outside the cell to the inside, often changing gene expression or cell activity.

Key Steps

1. Reception: A signal molecule (ligand) binds to a receptor on the cell surface.
2. Transduction: The signal is relayed inside the cell by a cascade of molecules (second messengers like cAMP).
3. Response: The cell changes its behavior, such as dividing, moving, or turning on genes.

Types of Signals

• Hormones (like insulin)
• Growth factors
• Neurotransmitters

Importance

Proper signaling is vital for development, immune response, and homeostasis. Errors can lead to diseases like cancer or diabetes.

Cool Fact

Some drugs, like beta-blockers, work by interfering with signal transduction.