Question

While considering cell signaling, what are two factors that can influence the speed of cell signaling within a cell?

Answer 1

The signaling on the exyerior is controlled by many factors, like the type of ligand binding to the receptors, the distance the ligand has to travel but within the cell, the speed on the signalung pathway depends on the type of response it elicits. The effects of a signaling molecule can be fast or slow. Fast responses usually involve changes in the synthesis or activity of protein. The first factor is whether the pathway is needed for a short term or long term affect. Muscle contraction, fusion of secretory vesicles, changes in metabolism are fast, whereas slow responses require synthesis of new proteins. Again, speed also depends on the type of molecular pathway. RTKs and Map kinases have less speed compared to the NOS pathway but ion mediated signaling are the fastest. Fast responses are transient and can be reversed. Slow responses generate long-term or permanent changes in cell. The same signaling molecule however can elicit both a rapid, transient response followed by a slower, long term change.

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