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| Question | Answer |
| Why do cells need to communicate with each other? | To control processes inside the body To respond to changes in the environment |
| How do cells communicate with each other? | By cell signalling: 1. One cell releases a messenger molecule which travels to another cell 2. The messenger molecule is detected by the cell as it binds to a receptor on its cell membrane 3. The binding then triggers a change in the cell |
| What are membrane-bound receptors? | Proteins in the cell membrane which act as receptors for messenger molecules |
| Complete the sentences: Receptor proteins have specific _______ - only messenger molecules with a _____________ shape can bind to them. A cell that responds to a particular messenger molecule is called a _________ _____ | Receptor proteins have specific SHAPE - only messenger molecules with a COMPLEMENTARY shape can bind to them. A cell that responds to a particular messenger molecule is called a TARGET CELL |
| How do hormones work as messenger molecules? | Hormones work by binding to receptors in cell membranes and triggering a response in the cell |
| Give 2 examples of hormones which are used in cell signalling | GLUCAGON: A hormone released when there is not enough glucose in the blood. Binds to receptors on liver cells, causing the liver cells to break down stores of glycogen to glucose. FSH: A hormone released by the pituitary gland during the menstrual cycle. Binds to receptors on cells in the ovaries, causing an egg to mature, ready for ovulation |
| How do drugs work messenger molecules? | Drugs either trigger a response in the cell, or block the receptor and prevent it from working |
| Why is it important to understand how cells communicate? | Understanding how cells communicate using membrane-bound receptors is important in the development of medicinal drugs - the receptors can be used as sites for targeted action |
| Give 2 examples of drugs which are used in cell signalling | MORPHINE: Endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain and reduce the transmission of pain signals. Morphine works by binding to the same opioid receptors as endorphins, also triggering a reduction in pain signals. ANTIHISTAMINES: Cell damage causes the release of a chemical called histamine. Histamine binds to receptors on the surface of other cells and causes inflammation. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors from binding to the cell and stops inflammation. |
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