key term - Cell Signaling

Definition

Cell signaling is a process in which cells communicate with each other to coordinate their actions. It involves the transmission of signals from one cell to another through chemical messengers or signal molecules.

Related terms

Receptor: A receptor is a protein on the surface of a cell that binds to specific signal molecules, allowing the cell to respond to those signals.

Signal Transduction:

Signal transduction is the process by which an extracellular signal is converted into an intracellular response. It involves a series of molecular events that amplify and transmit the signal within the cell.

Second Messenger: Second messengers are small molecules inside cells that relay signals from receptors on the cell surface to target molecules within the cell, amplifying and diversifying the initial signal.