Question

At a basic level, what is cellular communication? What are the different types of cellular communication/signaling?

Answer 1

Cells communicate towards the stimulus and communicate with one another by means of different types of signals, which coordinate and elicit response. Different ways of cellular communication include the following.

A). Paracrine signalling: It is the signalling between local cells, which results in very quick responses. The responses last for short duration of time, because of the rapid degradation of the paracrine ligands. E.g.: Effect of acetylcholine on ligand gated ion channels.

B). Endocrine signalling: It occurs between distant cells. For example, endocrine hormones released from a particular endocrine glans reach the target cells to produce a slow long-lasting response.

C). Autocrine signals: These signals are mediated by the ligands produced by the signalling cells. The ligand can act on the cell from which it is released or act on another signalling cell.

D). Direct signalling: This type of signalling occurs through direct cell to cell contact, which is mediated by gap junctions.