When a signaling molecule binds to its receptor, it alters the shape or activity of the receptor, triggering a change inside of the cell. In order to detect the signal, the cell must have the right receptor for that signal. Not all cells can “catch” a particular signal.

Cell signaling influences a variety of cell functions, including the synthesis of specific proteins and cell division. That is, one cell either directly connects or- more often- sends signaling molecules (which are often proteins) to another cell (or sometimes even back to itself), which triggers a response. It may also have the effect of reducing the appetite.Ĭells “communicate” with each other via signaling. A drug called orexin-RA-1 that blocks the action of these receptors is currently under development as a sleeping pill. The green stain highlights the neurofilaments (filaments found in nerve cells). They are produced in the hypothalamus and act through their receptors located in the nuclei (shown in blue) of cells in many different parts of the brain. Orexins are peptide hormones that help keep us awake and alert, and may also stimulate the appetite.

Identify how drugs influence dopamine signaling.Ĭell Signaling Overview An image of normal brain tissue from the thalamus.

Explain how neurons (nerve cells) communicate with each other.Describe the different types of cell signaling.Describe how ligands and receptors are involved in cell signaling.

Khan academy cellular biology