Physiology 3140A Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Cell Signaling, Signal Transduction, Cell Migration

• School: Western University
• Department: Physiology
• Course: Physiology 3140A
• Professor: John Di Guglielmo

Document Summary

Complex signalling systems govern every conceivable feature of cell and tissue function during development and in the adult. Fundamental features of cell signaling has been conserved throughout the evolution of eukaryotes. Cells communicate by sending & receiving signals. Signals originate from: environment, other cells. Cell signaling systems: receive input from environment & generate an appropriate output response. Secreted: from the signalling cell into the extracellular space i. e. insulin, nts. Released: by passive diffusion through the pm i. e. no. Exposed: to the extracellular space but remain tightly bound to the surface of. Examples of signalling molecules: the signalling cell i. e. ephrins. Physical signals: light, heat, mechanical, pressure, osmotic. Chemical signals: hormones, nts, growth factors, dissolved gases (nitric oxide/o2, toxins, drugs. The process in which cells sense extracellular stimuli through membranous or intracellular receptors, transduce signals via intracellular molecules and regulate biological function of cells. Cells responds to specific combinations of extracellular signals.