The Biology Project > Cell Biology > Cell Signaling > Intro to Problem Set

Cell Signaling Problem Set

Living organisms constantly receive and interpret signals from their environment. Signals can come in the form of light, heat, water, odors, touch, or sound. Cells of multi-cellular organisms also receive signals from other cells, including signals for cell division and differentiation. The majority of cells in our bodies must constantly receive signals that keep them alive and functioning. All organisms also have signaling systems that warn of the presence of pathogens, leading to a protective response.

The key concept is that the many signaling systems of biology have very similar or related steps. The same signaling system can lead to very different responses in different cells or different organisms. Studies of the mechanisms of cell signaling are leading to new understanding of many diseases, and to new strategies for therapy.

Instructions: The following problems have multiple choice answers. Correct answers are reinforced with a brief explanation. Incorrect answers are linked to tutorials to help solve the problem.

Overview

1. Receptors
2. Signal responses I
3. Signal responses II
4. Kinds of signals
5. Bacterial cell signaling
6. Steroid hormones
7. Second messengers
8. Protein kinase cascades
9. G-proteins
10. Signaling events
11. Gap junctions
12. Cancer therapy

The Biology Project > Cell Biology > Cell Signaling > Intro to Problem Set