Name: Gabriela De Leon

Organism Form and Function (Maintaining Homeostasis and Responding to Stimuli)

Part 3: Cellular Communication
Directions: Use the links provided to access each video. Answer the questions below thoroughly and accurately. You
do not need to answer in complete sentences, however, please remember that a complete thought often requires a
complete sentence! You may need to record your answers on a separate piece of paper.
Video #8: Bozeman Biology Cell Communication
http://www.bozemanscience.com/science-videos/2011/9/14/037-cell-communication.html

1. According to Mr. Anderson, what are the three types of cell communication (see concept map)?
They communicate by no distance, short distance, and long distance.
2. What is the advantage of using long-distance communication? Why does Mr. Anderson compare this type of
communication to a Facebook status post?
The advantage is that the signal can be sent to multiple cells. Facebook allows people to send a message to
multiple people.
3. Cell-Cell Direct Contact: Explain how an Antigen Presenting Cell communicates directly with a helper T cell.
Make sure to discuss MHC2 (Major Histocompatibility Complex 2) and CH4 in your answer.
Antigen presentation is a process in the body's immune system by which macrophages, dendritic cells and other
cell types capture antigens, then enable their recognition by T-cells. The T cell receptor is restricted to recognizing
antigenic peptides only when bound to appropriate molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).
Exogenous antigens are usually displayed on MHC Class II molecules, which interact with CD4+ helper T cells.
CD4+ lymphocytes, or TH, are immune response mediators, and play an important role in establishing and
maximizing the capabilities of the adaptive immune response.
4. Cell-Cell Direct Contact: How does a helper T cell respond to communication with an APC cell?
Antigen-presenting cell binds helper T cells to activate or stimulate helper.
5. Short Distance Communication (using local regulators): Explain how neurotransmitters are used for
communication between neurons (nerve cells).
Neurotransmitters use neurons to send a signal in order to communicate.
6. Short Distance Communication (using local regulators): Describe the function of B-endorphin, a
neurotransmitter. How are drugs like morphine and heroin related to B-endorphin?
Both morphine and heroin block the neurotransmitters from sending the signal to brain saying that the body feels
pain.
7. Long Distance Communication: Describe several ways in which Human Growth Hormone (secreted by the
brains pituitary gland) affects the body.
The cells ar going to pick up the enzyme and make the muscle and bone grow.
Video #9: Bozeman Biology Signal Transduction Pathways
http://www.bozemanscience.com/science-videos/2011/9/14/038-signal-transduction-pathways.html
***Note: In our Cell Division and Signaling Unit, we discussed the three parts of cell signaling Reception, Transduction,
and Response. Looking back to your notes from this unit may help you to better understand the content presented in this
video. Here, Mr. Anderson gives you a real-life example of signal transduction in the human body***
8. What is a ligand? Which ligand is Mr. Anderson using as an example in this video?
A ligand is a substance that forms a complex with a biomolecule to serve a biological purpose. The electric guitar.
9. Describe the role of the G protein receptor in this particular cell signaling pathway. Make sure to mention the
alpha subunit!
The G-protein has three subunits, alpha, beta and gamma. Activation of the receptor by the neurotransmitter
dopamine causes the alpha subunit to exchange its GDP for a GTP.
10. Explain the role of the enzyme adenylyl cyclase in the creation of the second messenger molecule cyclic AMP
(cAMP).
AP Biology Coley Cellular Communication Video Notes

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Cyclic AMP is synthesized from ATP by the action of the enzyme adenylyl cyclase. Binding of the hormone to its
receptor activates a G protein which, in turn, activates adenylyl cyclase.
How does cyclic AMP affect protein kinase molecules?
cAMP will bind to protein kinase and releases the catalytic portions.
How do protein kinase molecules activate target enzymes within the cell?
IT drops off the phosphate to phosphorylate and release glycogen.
What is the target enzyme in this example? What affect does this enzyme have on liver glycogen?
Phosphorylase. The glycogen is moved.
How does the message from ephinephrine get amplified in this pathway?
Epinephrine is used as a sample messenger to trigger the release of glucose from cells in the liver.
The epinephrine (aka adrenaline) hormone is the signal that triggers the fight or flight response. Sooo, lets say
you see a big ole grizzly bear in the woods. This triggers the release of epinephrine from the adrenal glands,
which sit on top of your kidneys. Epinephrine is recognized by G protein receptors on liver cells, which causes the
cell to respond by breaking down glycogen and releasing glucose into the blood stream. How does increased
blood glucose help you to run away from the bear?
It gives the cells energy in order to have them help the muscles. This will result in the person running faster and
longer.
Draw a picture summarizing the epinephrine and liver cell signaling pathway in the box given below. Label the
following molecules and steps in the process:
Molecules: Epinephrine ligand, G protein, alpha subunit, adenylyl cyclase, ATP, cAMP, protein kinase,
phosphorylase, glycogen, glucose
Steps: Reception, Transduction (including phosphorylation), Response

Video #10: Bozeman Biology Effects of Changes in Pathways

http://www.bozemanscience.com/039-effects-of-changes-in-pathways

17. What effect does the toxin produced by Anthrax bacteria have on the adenylyl cyclase enzyme? Why does this
have so many effects on the body?
It shuts down the nerves in the body. Leaving the body to not respond and die.
18. Describe a normal insulin and liver cell signaling pathway. Make sure to mention the insulin receptor and glucose
transporter in the membrane of the liver cell.
The insulin receptor is going to sit on inside of the cells then the insulin docks with that. Then it can effect a lot of
this like the glucose transporter.
AP Biology Coley Cellular Communication Video Notes

19. How does Diabetes Type 1 affect the insulin and liver cell signaling pathway? (Yes, I realize this is review!)
Type 1 diabetes does not produce insulin therefore it cant dock into the insulin receptor.
20. How does Diabetes Type 2 affect the insulin and liver cell signaling pathway? (Yes, I realize this is review!)
Type 2 diabetes effects the insulin receptor.
Video #11: Bozeman Biology Evolutionary Significance of Cell Communication
http://www.bozemanscience.com/036-evolutinary-significance-of-cell-communication
21. How are the goals of cell communication different in unicellular organisms vs. multicellular organisms (see
concept map)?
In single celled organism it is a response to the environment. In Multicellular organism coordinate activities in
order to break down glycogen.
22. How do the actual molecules and processes involved in the signaling pathways (not the goals of the pathways)
compare between unicellular and multicellular organisms?
Single celled organisms send auto inducers to send out there signal. Multicellular organism use all the cells in the
body to work together.
23. What is quorum sensing in bacteria? Describe the role of auto inducer proteins in quorum sensing.
Quorum sensing bacteria uses auto inducers to send out a signal.
24. Compare quorum sensing in bacteria to the mechanism of the fight or flight response in multicellular organisms
(ex: humans!).
Quorum Sensing in bacteria, cell-to-cell signaling mechanism that refers to the ability of bacteria to respond to
chemical molecules. Epinephrine when secreted as a hormone by the adrenal medulla, mediates "fight-or-flight"
responses to short-term stresses; also released by some neurons as a neurotransmitter; also known as
adrenaline

AP Biology Coley Cellular Communication Video Notes