Cell Signaling and Communication Networks
Big idea: This Grade 12 capstone connects ligand–receptor specificity, second messenger, phosphorylation cascade, negative feedback, pathway crosstalk to evaluate complex biological systems through evidence, uncertainty, responsible inference and real-world application.
Learning goals
- ligand–receptor specificity
- second messenger
- phosphorylation cascade
- negative feedback
- pathway crosstalk
Core concepts
ligand–receptor specificity
Selective binding through molecular complementarity that allows cells to detect particular signals.
second messenger
A small intracellular molecule or ion that relays and amplifies a signal after receptor activation.
phosphorylation cascade
A sequence of protein-kinase activations that transmits and amplifies information.
negative feedback
A pathway output that reduces upstream activity and stabilizes the response.
pathway crosstalk
Interaction between signaling pathways that integrates multiple cues and changes cellular output.