Jeletováltást

Jeletováltást, often translated as signal transduction, is a fundamental biological process by which a cell responds to stimuli from its environment. This process involves a series of molecular events that convert an external signal into a specific cellular response. The initial signal, which can be a hormone, neurotransmitter, growth factor, or even physical stimuli like light or pressure, binds to a specific receptor on the cell surface or within the cell.

This binding event triggers a cascade of intracellular events. Often, this involves the activation or inactivation of a series of signaling proteins. These proteins can act as switches, relaying the signal onward through the cell. This relay system can involve phosphorylation (adding a phosphate group) or dephosphorylation (removing a phosphate group) of proteins, or the binding and release of small molecules known as second messengers.

The ultimate goal of jeletováltást is to elicit a specific cellular action. This could range from changes in gene expression, leading to the production of new proteins, to alterations in cell metabolism, movement, or even programmed cell death. The precise nature of the response depends on the type of signal, the receptor involved, and the specific signaling pathways active within that particular cell type. Understanding jeletováltást is crucial for comprehending cellular communication, development, and disease.