Viestintämolekyyli

A viestintämolekyyli, which translates from Finnish as "communication molecule," is a substance released by one cell to transmit signals to other cells. These molecules are fundamental to intercellular communication, enabling coordinated responses within multicellular organisms. They can act locally, affecting nearby cells, or travel through the bloodstream to target cells far away.

The process typically involves the release of a signaling molecule from a signaling cell. This molecule then travels to a target cell and binds to specific receptors on the surface or inside the target cell. This binding event triggers a cascade of intracellular events within the target cell, ultimately leading to a specific cellular response. Examples of viestintämolekyylit include hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines. Hormones, for instance, are produced by endocrine glands and travel through the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Neurotransmitters are released at synapses between neurons and mediate rapid communication within the nervous system. Cytokines are involved in immune responses and inflammation. The diversity of viestintämolekyylit and their corresponding receptors allows for a vast array of complex signaling pathways that govern virtually all aspects of life.