Ca2lähtöinen

Ca2lähtöinen is a Finnish term that translates to "calcium-dependent" in English. It refers to a biological process or phenomenon that requires the presence of calcium ions (Ca2+) to occur or to be activated. Calcium ions play a crucial role as intracellular second messengers in a vast array of cellular functions across all living organisms.

Many biological processes are regulated by calcium. This dependency can manifest in various ways. For instance, muscle contraction in animals is a classic example of a Ca2+-dependent process. When a nerve impulse arrives at a muscle cell, it triggers the release of calcium ions, which then bind to specific proteins, initiating the contractile machinery. Similarly, neurotransmitter release from neurons is also a calcium-dependent event, essential for nerve signal transmission.

Beyond these well-known examples, calcium dependency is fundamental to many other biological systems. Enzyme activity, gene expression, cell signaling pathways, and even cell division can be modulated by changes in intracellular calcium concentrations. The precise concentration of calcium ions within a cell is tightly regulated by various transport proteins and buffering systems, ensuring that these critical processes are activated only when and where needed. The term Ca2+-dependent is therefore a fundamental descriptor in molecular biology and physiology, highlighting the indispensable role of calcium in cellular life.