PC1001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Cell Signaling, Protein Kinase A, Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate
Document Summary
The nervous and endocrine systems act together to coordinate all systems of the body. Introducing the basics of cell communication and signalling, both extracellularly and intracellularly. Importance of ion channels, receptors, neurotransmitters, hormones, target cells, signal amplification. In order to coordinate functions, cells need to be able to talk to each other. This may need to be local or over great distances inside the body. The simplest form of communication is via gap junctions. Direct cell connections that enable small molecules to pass from one cell to another. Chemical substances have an important role in cell communication. These substances will cause specific effects in certain cells that react to them. In cell communication, one cell will release a chemical (first messenger) that will react with a receptor (on the outside or inside) on the target cell and have an effect. Often we need a "second messenger" system inside target cell to transmit or amplify the first messengers signal.
