Topic 6 - Learning Outcomes

Topic 6.1 - General Principles of Cellular communication Describe in general terms how extrinsic signals activate cell signalling pathways to elicit cellular responses. Describe how cell signalling processes facilitate quorum sensing in bacteria. Outline the diverse roles played by proteins in cellular communication and how various proteins can function together in a signalling pathway. Relate the activities and properties (including domain structure) of proteins to their roles in signalling.

Topic 6.2 - Mating in Budding Yeast - An Illustration of Cell Signalling Give an account of the common features of signalling pathways, drawing on examples from the signalling pathways controlling yeast cell mating and growth. Recognise similarities and draw comparisons between different MAP kinase pathways.

Topic 6.3 - Calcium as a Cellular Messenger Explain why cells need to regulate their calcium concentration. Describe how calcium oscillations are generated. Explain how calcium oscillations are decoded by cells to modulate their activities. Describe how members of the family of phospholipase C enzymes are activated and how their common downstream messenger, IP3, releases calcium from intracellular stores.