All Flashcards
What are the key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1: Mutation prevents insulin production (no insulin). Type 2: Mutation affects receptor protein, causing insulin resistance.
What is a mutation?
A change in the DNA sequence that can affect protein production.
What is a ligand?
A signaling molecule that binds to a receptor protein.
What is signal transduction?
The process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus into another.
What are inhibitors in signal transduction?
Substances that block receptor protein sites, preventing ligands from binding and disrupting the pathway.
What does it mean for a protein to be denatured?
A protein loses its shape and function due to factors like temperature, chemicals, or pH.
What are the general steps of a signal transduction pathway?
- Signal (ligand) binds to receptor. 2. Receptor triggers a cascade of intracellular events. 3. Cellular response occurs.
Describe the normal process of insulin signaling in liver cells.
- Insulin binds to receptor on liver cell. 2. Signal transduction cascade initiated. 3. Glucose is stored as glycogen, lowering blood sugar.