Cell signaling is an important process. However, its significance can only be realized when this process is understood. Kanury Rao says that cell signaling helps cells to perform communication by releasing chemical signals. There are different forms of this process that can be observed when cell signaling occurs.
Below, we have explained more about cell signaling and its forms.
What is the Process ?
You may know that chemical signals are used by cells for the purpose of communication. These signals can be referred to as molecules or proteins. Mainly, they are made when a signal has been sent. Usually, such signals secrete from cells. Mr. Rao says that, in the process, they are delivered to some extracellular space. This space enables them to flow and reach the other cells.
It should be understood that every cell may not be able to hear a chemical signal. For hearing or identifying it, the correct receptor becomes a requirement for a cell. A signal can get attached to the correct receptor. After this, a change is observed in either the activity or the shape of this receptor to which the signal gets connected, as is said by Kanury Rao.
What are the Forms?
There are 4 forms. The first form includes paracrine signaling. As a part of this, cells can connect with one another when the distance is very short. Thus, neighboring cells can easily coordinate with this form.
Kanury Rao explains that synaptic signaling is observed when a signal has been released by a nerve cell. Here, synapse would indicate a point between nerve cells that helps in releasing the signal.
Autocrine signaling can be seen when a cell makes a signal only to itself. The fourth form, endocrine signaling is observed when cells are able to release signals in case of a long-distance.
Summary
As we explained here. This is a useful process through which communication between cells can occur. This communication can occur with slight variations. By looking at the forms of cell signaling, more information was understood about this process in this reading.