Answer to Question #285979 in Cell Biology for Sun

Question

Briefly outline a cell signalling mechanism. Use a named signalling molecule along with its receptor type in order to illustrate your answer?

Answer 1

Endocrine Signaling

Signals from distant cells are called endocrine signals; they originate from endocrine cells. In the body, many endocrine cells are located in endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland. These types of signals usually produce a slower response, but have a longer-lasting effect. The ligands released in endocrine signaling are called hormones, signaling molecules that are produced in one part of the body, but affect other body regions some distance away.

Hormones travel the large distances between endocrine cells and their target cells via the bloodstream, which is a relatively slow way to move throughout the body. Because of their form of transport, hormones get diluted and are present in low concentrations when they act on their target cells.