Signal transduction

In biology, signal transduction is any process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus into another. Processes referred to as signal transduction often involve a sequence of biochemical reactions inside the cell, which are carried out by enzymes and linked through second messengers. Such processes take place in as little time as a millisecond or as long as a few seconds. Slower processes are rarely referred to as signal transduction.

Related Topics:
Biology - Cell - Signal - Biochemical - Reactions - Enzyme - Second messenger - Millisecond

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In many transduction processes, an increasing number of enzymes and other molecules become engaged in the events that proceed from the initial stimulus. In such cases the chain of steps is referred to as a "signalling cascade" or "second messenger pathway" and the result is that a small stimulus elicits a large response.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In bacteria and other one-cell organisms, the variety of signal transduction processes of which the cell is capable influences how many ways it can react and respond to its environment. In a less direct way the same is true of animals and plants. Sensing in all forms of life depends, at the cellular level, on signal transduction.

Related Topics:
Bacteria - Organism - Animal - Plant - Sensing

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~