Why Is Cell Signalling Important

Discuss the major concepts of cell signalling and why it is important.

Cell signalling is the process by which cells communicate with each other. This may be with themselves or cells adjacent or even cells in a different location of the body and with the environment. The most significant functions are response to stimuli, to control specialised cell functions and during development. There are many ways a cell can signal another for example via the use of hormones or neurotransmitters all called collectively as ligands. Signals may even be transported via gap junctions. Cell signalling has important roles in all cells and organisms.

Cell signalling and how it works.
The basics of cell signalling involve Source, Signal and a Receiver. The source

Cystic fibrosis is the mutation of the CFTR protein in the membrane. This protein allows the chloride ions to come in and out within the membranes. There are many consequences of inheriting cystic fibrosis such as ATP being unable to bind to the host cells to the CFTR protein. The protein doesn’t open and chloride ions move in. the channel is open. Another consequence of cystic fibrosis is the sticky mucus produced which can lead to other bacterial infections.

Too little or too much of one ligand or signaling messenger can be a problem as well. E.g. the neurotransmitter Serotonin in too little supply is thought to lead to depression. “Too much, however, can lead to excessive nerve cell activity, causing a potentially deadly collection of symptoms known as serotonin syndrome or serotonin reuptake syndrome.” Excess can cause an array of symptoms such as dilated pupils and

This is caused by a b subunit attaching to a receptor on the membrane which inserts the A subunit which forces water out. Cholera was very significant in London in the Victorian times. This was later eradicated. Some bacteria are comparable to hackers as they can escape the body’s defense system/ primary immune response. In the example of Listeriosis the bacteria is able to avoid the destruction of itself in the phagocytosis process. It is able to escape through the membrane of the phagosome and seep out to the cytoplasm. The bacterium makes pores in the host’s membrane. The bacteria must break down the phagasome membrane to gain access to the host cells cytoplasm. In the phagosome is a gamma interferon which the bacteria makes use of which counteracts the activities of other enzymes. When we no longer have phagocytes the immune system