Cell signaling mechanisms are fundamental processes that enable cellular coordination and homeostasis through various pathways and components.
- Direct cell signaling mechanisms in AP Biology involve physical cell-to-cell interactions through gap junctions
- Types of cell signaling pathways and components include local signaling (paracrine, autocrine, synaptic) and long-distance signaling (hormonal, neuronal)
- Intracellular signal transduction in target cells occurs through specialized receptors like GPCRs, RTKs, and ion channels
- Signal molecules (ligands) bind to specific receptors, triggering cellular responses ranging from gene expression changes to metabolic alterations
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for comprehending normal cellular processes and disease development
