Explain Mechanisms of Signal Transduction?

At cellular level, signal transduction includes the movement of signals from outside the cell to inside. This transport of signal can be of simple which include the ion channel receptors to the most complex level that are associated with the coupling of ligandreceptor interactions which follows many intracellular happenings. Extracellular signaling by means of secreted molecules can be of three types in case of animals. This classification depends upon the distance between the cells over which a signal can act.

1) Endocrine signaling:

In this type of signaling, hormones are the signaling molecules. Inside the cells of endocrinal organs like pancreas and liver, these hormones are synthesized. The hormones are transported to the target cell through the blood stream, and are capable of acting on a target cell which is far from their site of synthesis.

2) Paracrine signaling:

In contrast to the endocrine signaling, paracrine signaling is effective only in the target cells which are nearer to the signaling cell. Neurotransmitters are the best example for such types of signaling molecules in which the signal is transmitted from one nerve cell to the adjacent nerve cell in the nervous tissue.

3) Autocrine signaling:

Autocrine signaling is another specific type in which the cell gives response to the signaling molecules produced on its own. Most of the growth factors come under this category.

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