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11 Signal Transduction Pa...
Why?
Signal Transduction Pathways
What happens inside of a cell when a signal has been received?
When cells release signal molecules (ligands) to send a message, and the message is received, a whole
host of events take place inside the cell. The ultimate goal is a response—a gene is turned on, a protein is
manufactured, an enzyme is activated, the cell divides or dies, etc. There are many responses that could
occur, but the pathways to those responses are very similar.
Model 1 - Basic Signal Transduction Pathway
Ligand
Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
Activated
relay protein 1
Activated
relay protein 2
Response
Response
Receptor
protein
Activated
relay protein 2
Response
1. According to Model 1, does the signal transduction pathway occur inside or outside of a cell?
2. Compare the shape of the ligand in Model 1 to the shape of the receptor protein.
3. The four steps in the signal transduction pathway are listed below. Label the diagram above with
the Roman numerals to indicate where on the diagram each step is taking place.
I. Signaling
II. Reception
III. Transduction
IV. Response
Signal Transduction Pathways
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4. Based on the diagram in Model 1 and your labels, propose a definition for "transduction" in the
context of the signal transduction pathway.
5. Amplification often occurs during the transduction step in the signal transduction pathway.
a. Define "amplification" as it is used in everyday language.
b. Explain how the signal in Model 1 was amplified.
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