Question

In: Biology

Describe how a signal that is relatively low in number can be amplified within the cell....

Describe how a signal that is relatively low in number can be amplified within the cell. For a complete answer, you need to include all the players and show how the signal is amplified.

Solutions

Expert Solution

Ans A signal may reach a cell in the form of a single hormone molecule . . Inside the cell , the signal must be amplified so that the response is carried out multiple times rather than just be a single molecule . Amplification is built into the system . Any molecule that catalyzes a reaction can do so multiple times producing more than one product molecule . So, each step in the signaling chain is several step long then there is a great potential for amplification of the signal . The advantage of signal amplification method includes specific detection , dynamic range, ease of use , and reproducibility .

For ex. If the membrane receptor can produce 10 sec messenger and each second messenger can generate the transcription of 10 mRna chain then the signal has been amplified one thousand fold.


Related Solutions

Describe the different factors that can influence different reactions of a cell to a signal under certain conditions or in different cell types.
Describe the different factors that can influence different reactions of a cell to a signal under certain conditions or in different cell types.
Discuss why the aggregate supply (AS) curve is relatively flat within the low ranges of aggregate...
Discuss why the aggregate supply (AS) curve is relatively flat within the low ranges of aggregate output and relatively vertical within the ranges of high aggregate output. Which part of the AS curve fiscal policy works better and why?
a. Signals can be relayed, amplified, integrated, distributed, and regulated by feedback. Describe an example for...
a. Signals can be relayed, amplified, integrated, distributed, and regulated by feedback. Describe an example for each of these processes. b. The above processes make for long and complicated signal transduction pathways. Why bother? (Describe how this can be advantageous for a cell) c. Ras monomeric GTPase is a molecular switch regulated by GAPs and GEFs. If you were studying a mutant cell that had an inactive GAP protein, how would this affect Ras signaling?
1) Describe the basic system of signal (signaling cell), target cell, receptor, and response for chemical...
1) Describe the basic system of signal (signaling cell), target cell, receptor, and response for chemical communication. How is communication specific to just certain cells? 1a) Describe how the endocrine system and the nervous system coordinate communication and regulation between cells in multicellular animals. 1b) Describe, in general, the process of signal transduction, including second messengers. List several examples of responses cells can have to receptor binding.
Describe the following for skeletal, smooth, and cardiac myocytes. How each cell receives a signal Excitation-contraction...
Describe the following for skeletal, smooth, and cardiac myocytes. How each cell receives a signal Excitation-contraction coupling Pacemaker cells Repolarization (cardiac only)
Signal Transduction: A) Explain how growth factors, acting through the signal transduction pathway, regulate cell proliferation.  Names...
Signal Transduction: A) Explain how growth factors, acting through the signal transduction pathway, regulate cell proliferation.  Names of specific proteins and their function must be given. B) Give 2 specific examples of how an alteration in the signal transduction pathway can lead to cancer Cell Cycle Regulation: Describe the mechanism by which the cell cycle is regulated by mitogens. In your answer, be sure to include the following: a) The phases of the cell cycle and protein whose concentrations vary during...
How can a protein act as a signal integrating sensor?
How can a protein act as a signal integrating sensor?
4.1. To explain how the signal dynamic range is related with the number of bits in...
4.1. To explain how the signal dynamic range is related with the number of bits in codewords. 4.2. Analyse the linear quantization characteristic, parameters, features. 4.3. Analyse the nonlinear quantization characteristic, parameters features.
Cardiac muscle is unique in terms of the number and type of cell-to-cell adhesion structures. Describe...
Cardiac muscle is unique in terms of the number and type of cell-to-cell adhesion structures. Describe at least two, providing a link between the adhesion structures and the resulting functions of cardiac cells.
How does an activated receptor transfer information from a signal into the cell? Select one: a....
How does an activated receptor transfer information from a signal into the cell? Select one: a. By endocytosis of the signaling molecule with the receptor. b. Through a conformational change of the receptor. c. By increased expression of the receptor. d. None of the other answer choices are correct. e. More than one of the other answer choices is correct.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT