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Introduction to the lesson
One very important role of the cell surface membrane is signalling. In this lesson you will look in detail at how the cell surface membrane's structure allows it to signal to other cells and how exactly this process works. Understanding this lesson will be crucial when you get to chapter 11 and learn about antibodies, antigens and the immune system.
Cell signalling
Read the section “Cell signalling” in your text book (p.77-79).
Learning Activity 1
Answer the following questions in your exercise book.
- Study Figure 4.6 (p.77) which shows the basic components of a signalling pathway. Copy this pathway.
- Can you suggest some examples of such a signalling pathway?
- Explain in words and using a diagram(s) how a signalling pathway crosses a membrane.
- List and explain the three basic ways in which a receptor can alter the activity of a cell.
- Answer Question 4.1 on p.78 of your text book.
Definitions and review
Definitions
- Cell signalling
- Stimulus
- Receptor
- Target (effector)
- GTP
Mindmap
Add this section to your chapter four mindmap.