Table of contents

1. Overview of Cell Biology2h 49m
2. Chemical Components of Cells1h 14m
3. Energy1h 33m
4. DNA, Chromosomes, and Genomes2h 31m
5. DNA to RNA to Protein2h 31m
6. Proteins1h 36m
7. Gene Expression1h 42m
8. Membrane Structure1h 4m
- The Lipid Bilayer
  38m
- Membrane Proteins
  25m
9. Transport Across Membranes1h 52m
10. Anerobic Respiration1h 5m
11. Aerobic Respiration1h 11m
12. Photosynthesis52m
13. Intracellular Protein Transport2h 18m
14. Cell Signaling1h 28m
15. Cytoskeleton and Cell Movement1h 39m
16. Cell Division3h 5m
17. Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction50m
18. Cell Junctions and Tissues48m
19. Stem Cells13m
- Stem Cells
  13m
20. Cancer44m
21. The Immune System1h 6m
22. Techniques in Cell Biology1h 41m

14. Cell Signaling

Overview of Signaling Molecules

Cell Biology

14. Cell Signaling

Overview of Signaling Molecules

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Multiple Choice

A signal transduction pathway is initiated when a _____ binds to a receptor.

ribosome

signaling molecule

DNA polymerase

cytoskeletal protein

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of signal transduction: Signal transduction is the process by which a cell responds to external signals, typically involving a signaling molecule binding to a receptor on the cell surface or inside the cell.

Identify the role of a signaling molecule: A signaling molecule (also called a ligand) is a chemical that binds to a specific receptor to initiate a cellular response. Examples include hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors.

Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze the provided options. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, DNA polymerase is involved in DNA replication, and cytoskeletal proteins are structural components of the cell. None of these are signaling molecules.

Focus on the correct option: A signaling molecule is the correct answer because it is the entity that binds to a receptor to initiate the signal transduction pathway.

Summarize the process: When a signaling molecule binds to its receptor, it triggers a cascade of intracellular events, leading to a specific cellular response, such as gene expression, enzyme activation, or changes in cell behavior.