BIOL 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Signal Transduction, Cell Adhesion Molecule, Cell Signaling
18 Oct 2016
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5. 7 roles of membranes in cell signalling pg. The ability of all living things to sense and respond to changes in the environment is accomplished by the perception of signals. Signal transduction pathway/cascade steps that link initial perception of a signal with its ultimate downstream effects. The membrane receptors that recognize and bind signal molecules are integral membrane proteins (transmembrane proteins/polytopic) extend through entire membrane. The fit is specific so that a particular receptor binds only to one type of signal. Conformational changes occur to the receptor once signal molecule binds; this happens so that signal is transmitted through plasma membrane. This then actives the cytoplasmic end of the receptor protein. The activated receptor then initiates the first step in the signalling cascade that triggers the cellular response. Signal reception triggers response pathways within the cell. Another characteristic of signal transduction pathways is amplification an increase in the magnitude of each step as a signal transduction pathway proceeds.
