Chapter 21, Problem S11.27BYB

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The way through which the information is relayed through the signal transduction pathway.

Introduction:

The signal transduction can be defined as the process through which the chemical signals which are released from the cells catalyze the cellular responses through a series of reactions. The recipient cells have special proteins which detect the stimuli; these proteins are known as the receptors.

Explanation of Solution

The chemical signals released by the sender cells alter the behavior of the recipient cells. The specialized function of a cell is determined by these chemical signals. The chemical signals also facilitate the coordination of the growth and normal functioning of the cell.

The signal transduction pathway is relayed in between the cells through the chemicals that bind to the receptors present on the plasma membrane of the recipient cells. On receiving the signals, the receptor protein conducts a cascade of reaction, which transducer the signal between the cells. The last reaction of the pathway leads to the formation of a product, which directly affects the functioning of the cells.

Mostly the last product is a transcription factor which either activates or deactivates the gene. The activation of the gene by the transcription activator leads to its transcription. The translation of forms a protein stimulates the metabolic pathway in the cell.

Conclusion

The signal transduction initiates when the chemical signals released by the sender cell are received by the receptor present on the plasma membrane of the target cell. The receptor protein initiates a cascade of reaction. The last reaction of signal transduction pathway forms a product which alters the expression of gene. The activation of gene leads to the formation of a product which carries out the response in the cell.