CELL SIGNALLING

(f) explain the term cell signalling; (g) explain the role of membranebound receptors as sites where hormones and drugs can bind;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6uHotlXvPo

How often do we use signalling?

Challenge your Critical Thinking Keep a tally of the number of times you signal or communicate in any way over a period of time, say 15 minutes.

What is cell signalling?

Process which allows:Communication between cells Cell recognition / identification Cells to work together Coordinated action of different cells Triggering of a response / reaction inside the cell Cells to react to changes in their environment

Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts

Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts

Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts

Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts

Molecular Biology of the Cell

Molecular Biology of the Cell by Alberts

What is involved in cell signalling?

Cell Signalling Molecule Receptor Molecule Mechanism within the cell to coordinate a response Errors in cell signalling are responsible for diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and diabetes. By understanding cell signalling, diseases may be treated effectively.

Cell Signalling Molecules

Ions e.g. sodium, calcium Steroid hormones e.g. oestrogen, testosterone Peptide hormones e.g. insulin, glucagon Neurotransmitters e.g. acetylcholine Lipids e.g. prostaglandins Nitric Oxide Auxins Cytokines

Receptor Molecules
On cell surface membrane e.g. glycoprotein Receptor molecule has specific shape Shape is complementary to shape of trigger/ communicating molecule Trigger molecule binds/attaches to receptor

Mechanism of action - 1

Mechanism of action - 2

Mechanism of action - 3

Name the components of the plasma (cell surface) membrane labelled D, E and F. State one function for each of the components D, E and F.

June 2009 F211 Q2 D cholesterol ; E protein / glycoprotein / intrinsic protein / protein channel / protein pump / transport protein / carrier protein ; ACCEPT polypeptide chain DO NOT ACCEPT amino acid chain DO NOT ACCEPT extrinsic protein
F phospholipid (bilayer) / phospholipid head ; DO NOT ACCEPT lipids / bilayer

D stabilise the membrane OR maintain / affect / control / AW, fluidity OR reduces permeability to, polar / charged, particles ; E allow communication across membrane OR allow, polar / charged, particles to pass through membrane ; F to act as a barrier (to, polar / charged, particles) / select what enters or leaves cell ;
DO NOT ACCEPT refs to rigidity / support / strength ACCEPT reduces / affects, lateral movement of phospholipids ACCEPT cell recognition / receptor site / cell signalling / cell attachment ACCEPT (acts as) selectively permeable or partially permeable membrane ACCEPT allows small / fat soluble molecules to pass through DO NOT ACCEPT separates inside from outside

Glycoprotein molecules are positioned in the plasma (cell surface) membrane with the carbohydrate chain outside the cell.
This is to allow the glycoproteins to act as receptors in the process of cell signalling. (i) Explain what is meant by the term cell signalling (ii)Explain how a glycoprotein can act as a receptor

communication between cells / AW ; cell, recognition / identification ; cells work together / coordination between action of different cells ; to trigger, response / reaction ( inside the cell) ; 2 max ACCEPT example to illustrate the point, e.g. action of hormone / cytokines

(receptor) specific shape / described ; complementary to (shape of), trigger / named trigger / communicating molecule ; (trigger / AW) binds / attaches to receptor ; 2 max ACCEPT tertiary structure DO NOT ACCEPT ref to active site DO NOT ACCEPT matches DO NOT ALLOW joins/bonds/links /combines/fits