BIOL 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 23: Conformational Change, Glycogen, Chemical Equilibrium
Document Summary
Cells interact with and receive signals from their environment. Can either be from physical connections (latching on like velcro) or through chemical signals which bind to receptors of a receiving cell. Integrins are cell-matrix adhesion molecules that straighten upon activation. Is bent at low affinity/inactive state & extends upwards in the high affinity/active state. When integrin extends upwards, the c-terminal tails separate which signals to the cell that the integrins had bound to something. This recruits talin & kindlin to the binding site & trigger the signaling cascades that were necessary for the cell to respond properly to its attachment to the ecm. Endocrine glands secrete hormones that affect distant target cells. The secreting cells release the hormone in the bloodstream & affects distant target cells. The response of these distant cells can differ: short-term & long term signals. Needs to be rapidly executed --> the cell needs to react fast to the signal/hormone & execute its response.