2016_H2_Topic_K_Cell_Signalling

NANYANG JUNIOR COLLEGE H2 Biology Cell Signalling J2/2016 1 TOPIC K: CELL SIGNALLING Learning Outcome Candidates should be able to Core Topic 6 (o) Describe the three main stages of cell signalling – ligand-receptor interaction, signal transduction (inclusive of phosphorylation and signal amplification) and cellular responses. (Limited to an overview of insulin & RTK signalling and glucagon & G -protein signalling. Candidates will be expected to generalise their understanding of t hese systems in solving problems involving other cell signalling systems.) Advantages and significance of having a cell signalling system may be required. Content Outline 1. Introduction 2. Types of Cell Signalling (a) Local Signalling (b) Long Distance Signalling 3. Main Stages of Cell Signalling (a) Ligand-receptor interaction (i) Cell surface receptors  Ion channel receptor  G protein-coupled receptor  Receptor tyrosine kinase (ii) Intracellular receptor (b) Signal transduction (i) Phosphorylation cascade (ii) Second messengers (iii) Signal amplification (c) Cellular response 4. Advantages and Significance of a Cell Signalling System 5. Specific Examples of Cell Signalling Pathways (a) Glucagon-GPCR Signalling (b) Insulin-RTK Signalling (c) Generation of nerve impulses (d) Activation of cellular defence mechanism References 1. Campbell N. A. and Reece J. B. (2008). Biology. Chapter 11: Cell Communication. Eighth Edition. Benjamin Cummings Publishing, Inc. 2. Brooker R. J. et. al. (2008). Biology. Chapter 9: Cell Communication and the Regulation of the Cell Cycle. First E dition. McGraw-Hill Companies. 3. Alberts B. et. al. (1998). Essential Cell Biology – An Introduction to the Molecular Biology of the Cell. Chapter 15: Cell Communication. First Edition. Garland Publishing, Inc. 4. Karp G. (1996). Cell and Molecular Biology – Concepts and Experiments. Chapter 15: Cell Signalling: Communication between Cells and Their Environment. Second Edition. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

NANYANG JUNIOR COLLEGE H2 Biology Cell Signalling J2/2016 2 1. Introduction The trillions of cells in a multi -cellular organism must communicate with each other to coordinate their activities. They do so by means of signal molecules, which include proteins, small peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives and even dissolved gases such as nitric oxide. The cell signalling process helps ensure that c rucial activities occur in the correct cells, at the right time and in coordination with other cells in the organism. 2. Types of Cell Signalling Cells in multi-cellular organisms usually communicate via ligands / signal molecules (“first messengers”) targeted for cells that may be adjacent (local signalling) or may not be immediately adjacent (long distance signalling). (a) Local Signalling Direct contact between cells  Cell junctions In both plants and animals, cells may communi