6. Principles of cell signalling
6. Principles of cell signalling
- Gillian Pocock, Gillian PocockSenior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Christopher D. RichardsChristopher D. RichardsEmeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- and David A. RichardsDavid A. RichardsAssociate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, USA
Abstract
This chapter talks about individual cells which carry out specific physiological roles, such as secretion or contraction. It examines how cells receive and transmit signals of various kinds in order to coordinate their activities. As the plasma membrane forms a barrier between the signalling components within the cell and the extracellular environment, the cells have evolved various signalling methods to get around this. The chapter highlights the generation of diffusible chemical signals, the expression of receptors in the plasma membrane that are able to convey the external signals across the plasma membrane, direct contact between the plasma membrane proteins of adjacent cells, direct cytoplasmic contact via gap junctions, and the use of signals generated by a cell itself at particular stages of development. Diffusible chemical signals allow cells to communicate at a distance, while direct contact between cells is particularly important in cell–cell recognition.
