Signal Transduction

Definition

Signal transduction refers to the process by which cells receive and interpret signals from their environment, and then convert these signals into specific cellular responses. It involves a series of molecular events that relay the signal from the cell surface to the interior, ultimately leading to a cellular response.

Related terms

Receptor: A receptor is a protein located on the cell surface or within the cell that binds to signaling molecules (ligands) and initiates signal transduction.

Second Messenger: Second messengers are small molecules that are generated in response to an initial signaling event and help amplify and propagate the signal within the cell.

Protein Kinase: Protein kinases are enzymes that add phosphate groups onto other proteins, often as part of a signaling cascade during signal transduction. Phosphorylation by protein kinases can turn proteins "on" or "off" depending on their function in cellular response.