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AP Biology: Biological Communication Flashcards

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12700269589ReceptionThe target cell's detection of a signaling molecule coming from outside the cell; involves the binding of the signaling molecule to a receptor protein0
12700269590TransductionA step or series of steps that converts the signal to a form that can bring about a specific cellular response - amplifies signal1
12700269591Signal Transduction PathwayA sequence of changes in a series of different molecules during transduction2
12700269592ResponseThe change or cellular activity triggered by a transduced signal3
12700269593LigandA molecule that specifically binds to a receptor based on complementary shape and causes a change in shape of the receptor4
12700269597Transcription FactorSpecial proteins that control which genes are turned on (transcribed into mRNA) in a particular cell at a particular time5
12700269598Phosphorylation Cascadeoccurs when phosphate groups from ATP are transferred to other proteins during some transduction pathways; addition of phosphates activates the proteins6
12700269599secondary messengersSmall, nonprotein water-soluble molecules or ions involved in a the transduction part of a signaling pathway; examples include cAMP and calcium ions7
12700269608neurotransmitterChemical messengers that cross the synaptic gaps between neurons.8
12700269612amplificationThe strengthening of stimulus energy during transduction.9
12700269613myelin sheatha fatty covering around the axon of neurons that speeds the neural impulse10
12700269614resting potentialwhen the outside of the neuron has a net positive charge and the inside of the neuron has a next negative charge (-70mv)11
12700269615action potentialA momentary reversal in electrical potential across a neural membrane that occurs when a cell has been activated by a stimulus.12
12700269616sodium potassium pumpProcess by which ATP is used to move sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions back into the cell; completely restores the resting conditions of the neuron.13
12700269617sodium channel proteinstructure in the membrane of a neuron that opens to allow Na+ to enter the neuron during depolarization14
12700363504water soluble ligandsAre polar and cannot pass through membrane without assistance. Binds to a receptor protein in the membrane. Includes peptides and proteins15
12700365468lipid (fat) soluble ligandsCan pass through the membrane and bind to receptor proteins within the cell. Example: Hormones16
12700405640Neurona specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.17
12700409537Dendritethe bushy, branching extensions of a neuron that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body18
12700409538Axonthe extension of a neuron, ending in branching terminal fibers, through which messages pass to other neurons or to muscles or glands19
12700450208DepolarizationThe process during the action potential when sodium is rushing into the cell causing the interior to become more positive.20
12700452947RepolarizationPeriod during which potassium ions diffuse out of the neuron21
12700455332threshold potentialThe minimum membrane potential that must be reached in order for an action potential to be generated.22
12700462163excitatory neurotransmittersCause depolarization of postsynaptic membranes/Promote action potentials23
12700464831inhibitory neurotransmitterschemicals released from the terminal buttons of a neuron that inhibit the next neuron from firing24

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